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noun

die Urkunde, -n

certificate

Ein offizielles Schriftstück, das etwas bestätigt oder beweist, zum Beispiel eine Auszeichnung, ein Vertrag oder ein Nachweis.

Definition & meaning

The word Urkunde refers to an official document that serves as proof of a legal act, a status, or a historical event.

  1. Legal sense: A document that carries legal weight and serves as evidence. Examples include birth certificates, land registry excerpts, or contracts.
  2. General sense: Any written document or record that provides proof of a specific fact or event.
  3. Award/Certificate: A document presented to someone to honor an achievement, such as a participation certificate or a diploma.

Grammar & Word origin

  • Grammar: Feminine noun (die Urkunde), plural die Urkunden.
  • Origin: The word is composed of the Middle High German urkunde ("evidence", "testimony"). The prefix ur- denotes something original or primordial, and the root -kunde is related to the verb künden (to announce/make known). Historically, it referred to "knowledge brought forth" or "attested knowledge."

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms

  • {Dokument} - A general term for a document.
  • {Nachweis} - A proof or verification.
  • {Zeugnis} - A certificate or testimony, often used for academic or work contexts.
  • {Beleg} - A receipt or supporting document.
  • {Schriftstück} - A generic term for a piece of writing or a document.

Antonyms There is no direct single-word antonym for a document, but in the context of legal validity, it can be contrasted with:

  • {Gerücht} - Rumor (as it lacks the evidentiary weight of an official document).
  • {Behauptung} - Mere assertion (lacking proof).

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Examples

Er erhält eine Urkunde für seine Leistung.noun

He receives a certificate for his performance.

Die Urkunde liegt auf dem Tisch.noun

The certificate is on the table.

Die Urkunde bestätigt die Teilnahme am Wettbewerb.noun

The certificate confirms participation in the competition.

Zur Feierlichkeit gehört eine Urkunde dazu.noun

A certificate is part of the ceremony.

Jeder Teilnehmer bekommt am Ende der Veranstaltung eine Urkunde.noun

Each participant receives a certificate at the end of the event.

Jeder Teilnehmer bekommt am Ende je nach Leistung eine Urkunde überreicht.noun

At the end, each participant is presented with a certificate depending on their performance.

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