Berufung einlegen

Definition & meaning

The phrase "Berufung einlegen" is a legal term primarily used in the context of the German judicial system. It translates to "to file an appeal" or "to lodge an appeal."

1. Legal context: It refers to the formal act of challenging a judgment or a decision made by a lower court by requesting that a higher court review the case. In the German legal system, this is specifically the process of having a case heard again in terms of both legal errors and factual findings (though limited depending on the court level).
2. General context: In a broader or metaphorical sense, it can refer to formally protesting or challenging a decision, though this usage is rare outside of legal settings.

Grammar & Word origin

• Berufung: A noun derived from the verb berufen ↗, which means "to call" or "to appoint." Etymologically, it relates to being "called" or "summoned" to a higher authority or position.
• einlegen: A separable verb consisting of ein (in/into) and legen ↗ (to lay/place). In legal terminology, einlegen is the standard verb used for "lodging" or "filing" formal documents, such as appeals, objections, or complaints.

The phrase is a fixed collocation (collocation). It functions as a transitive construction where Berufung serves as the direct object.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

• Revision einlegen ↗ (Specifically refers to an appeal on points of law)
• Rechtsmittel einlegen ↗ (The general term for lodging any legal remedy)
• anfechten ↗ (To contest or challenge a decision)
• Einspruch erheben ↗ (To file an objection)

Antonyms:

• das Urteil akzeptieren ↗ (To accept the judgment)
• auf Rechtsmittel verzichten ↗ (To waive the right to appeal)
• Rechtskraft ↗ (The state of a judgment becoming final and unchallengeable)