German word

Standesamt

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʃtandəsˌamt/

Meaning

  • neuter nounregistry office

Example

Viele Standesämter haben im Sommer geschlossen.

Many registry offices are closed in summer.

Illustration for Standesamt (registry office)

More examples

Die Geburt wurde beim Standesamt angemeldet.

The birth was registered at the registry office.

Core concept

A public office where a person's legal status is recorded and certified through documents such as birth and marriage certificates.

Common phrases

  • ins Standesamt gehen

    go to the registry office

  • beim Standesamt eine Urkunde abholen

    collect a certificate at the registry office

  • die Geburt beim Standesamt anmelden

    register the birth at the registry office

Similar words

Bürgeramt: A municipal office handling identity documents, resident registration, and various public services.
Einwohnermeldeamt: A local office handling address registration and procedures for moving in or out.
Personenstand: A person's legal status in matters such as birth, marriage, and death.
Standesbeamter: A civil servant who prepares and signs birth and marriage certificates.

Definition in German

Öffentliche Stelle, die den Personenstand verwaltet und amtliche Urkunden wie Geburts- oder Heiratsurkunden ausstellt.

Word origin

Standesamt is a compound of Standes-, the genitive form of Stand in the sense of legal status, and Amt, meaning office or authority.

Usage tips

  • Standesamt is neuter, and its plural is Standesämter with an umlaut; the common phrase is zum Standesamt for going there.

Related words

  • standesamtlichcivil-statusadjective
  • Standesamtsurkundecivil registry certificatenoun

Word lists with this word