German word

Behörde

Pronunciation

IPA/bəˈhøːɐ̯də/

Meaning

  • feminine noungovernment office

Example

Ich muss zur Behörde gehen.

I have to go to the government office.

Illustration for Behörde (government office)

More examples

Ich habe ein Formular bei der Behörde eingereicht.

I submitted a form to the government office.

Core concept

A government agency with files, officials, and the power to make public decisions.

Common phrases

  • ein Formular bei der Behörde einreichen

    submit a form to the government office

  • bei der Behörde nachfragen

    make an inquiry at the government office

Similar words

Amt: A specific government office or service desk handling a defined matter.
Verwaltung: A public administration that carries out government work at local or national level.
Dienststelle: An official workplace or department where civil servants are based.

Definition in German

Behörde ist eine offizielle Instanz, die Gesetze vollzieht, Bescheide erlässt und öffentliche Aufgaben verwaltet.

Word origin

The noun comes from Middle High German behörde, which referred to protection, care, and administration before acquiring its modern institutional sense.

Usage tips

  • English authority can mean power or a person with expertise, but Behörde normally refers to a public office or agency.

Other meanings

  • authoritynoun
  • government agencynoun
  • administrative authoritynoun

Word lists with this word