German word

Verfassung

Pronunciation

IPA/fɛɐ̯ˈfasʊŋ/

Meaning

  • feminine nounconstitution

Example

In der Verfassung sind die Grundrechte festgeschrieben.

The constitution sets out the fundamental rights.

Illustration for Verfassung (constitution)

More examples

Im Unterricht sprechen wir über die Verfassung.

In class, we talk about the constitution.

Core concept

A written blueprint for how a state is organized, with the same word extending to the general state or makeup of something.

Common phrases

  • über die Verfassung sprechen

    talk about the constitution

  • die Verfassung ändern

    amend the constitution

  • eine Verfassung entwerfen

    draft a constitution

Similar words

Grundgesetz: Germany's federal basic law defining the state order and citizens' fundamental rights.
Gesetz: A written rule issued by a state or local authority that must be obeyed.
Grundrecht: A fundamental freedom or right guaranteed to citizens by the state.

Definition in German

Verfassung bezeichnet die schriftlich niedergelegte Ordnung eines Staates, welche die Kompetenzen der Organe und die Grundrechte der Bürger festlegt.

Word origin

Verfassung comes from verfassen, which combines ver- with fassen, and its formation with -ung names the resulting arrangement or condition.

Usage tips

  • In Germany, the federal constitution is commonly called das Grundgesetz, while Verfassung is the broader word for a constitution.

Other meanings

  • statenoun
  • conditionnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word