German word

Kanzlei

Pronunciation

IPA/kant͡sˈlaɪ̯/

Meaning

  • feminine nounlaw firm

Example

Ich arbeite in der Kanzlei.

I work at the law firm.

Illustration for Kanzlei (law firm)

More examples

Viele junge Anwälte beginnen ihre Karriere in einer kleinen Kanzlei.

Many young lawyers begin their careers at a small law firm.

Core concept

A staffed legal office linking face-to-face advice with the paperwork behind a case.

Common phrases

  • bei der Kanzlei angestellt sein

    be employed at the law firm

  • sich an die Kanzlei wenden

    consult the law firm

  • einen Job in der Kanzlei bekommen

    get a job at the law firm

Similar words

Anwaltskanzlei: A specialist office where lawyers provide legal advice and handle lawsuits.
Notariat: An office where a notary certifies contracts and prepares official legal deeds.
Büro: A workplace or room for ordinary office tasks and organizing documents.
Gericht: An official place where judges hold trials, conduct hearings, and give judgments.

Definition in German

Eine Kanzlei ist eine berufliche Einrichtung, in der Anwälte oder Notare rechtliche Dienste für Klienten leisten.

Word origin

The German noun developed from medieval Kanz(e)lie, borrowed from Latin cancellaria, the office of a cancellarius.

Usage tips

  • Büro is the usual general word for an office, while Kanzlei specifically suggests a legal or notarial practice or an official chancery.

Other meanings

  • law officenoun
  • chancellerynoun

Related words

  • Kanzleipartnerlaw firm partnernoun
  • Kanzleimitarbeiterlaw firm employeenoun

Word lists with this word