German word

Plädoyer

Pronunciation

IPA/plɛdo̯aˈjeː/

Meaning

  • neuter nounclosing argument

Example

Sein Plädoyer vor Gericht war kurz und klar.

His closing argument in court was short and clear.

Illustration for Plädoyer (closing argument)

More examples

Die Aktivistin hielt ein überzeugendes Plädoyer für mehr soziale Gerechtigkeit.

The activist made a convincing appeal for greater social justice.

Core concept

A speaker gathers the strongest points into a final case before judges or an audience.

Common phrases

  • ein Plädoyer halten

    make a closing argument

  • Plädoyer für den Klimaschutz

    an appeal for climate protection

  • ein emotionales Plädoyer

    an emotional appeal

Similar words

Meinung: An individual's view or feeling about a subject.
Rede: An address that conveys information or ideas to several people.
Argument: A supporting reason or fact offered for a claim.

Definition in German

Plädoyer ist eine im Gericht oder in einer Debatte gehaltene Rede, in der jemand seine Position zusammenfassend verteidigt oder darlegt.

Word origin

The German noun was borrowed from French plaidoyer, which derives from plaider, meaning 'to plead'.

Usage tips

  • The noun is neuter: das Plädoyer, with the plural die Plädoyers.

Other meanings

  • defensenoun
  • appealnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word