Learning a new language often involves getting acquainted with different aspects of everyday life as well as professional spheres in that language. Legal terms can be particularly tricky because they often have very specific meanings and connotations. For students of Danish, understanding key legal terms is essential, especially if they intend to work in law-related fields or simply want to understand the justice system in Denmark. Let’s take a look at some important legal Danish vocabulary.

Advokat
An “advokat” is a lawyer or an attorney, a professional qualified to represent clients in legal matters.

Kan du anbefale en dygtig advokat til min sag?

Retsal
“Retsal” refers to a courtroom where legal cases are heard and judgments are passed.

Dommeren træder ind i retsalen, og alle rejser sig.

Domsafsigelse
A “domsafsigelse” is the judgment or sentence given by a court at the end of a trial.

Domsafsigelsen vil blive forkyndt næste mandag.

Anklage
“Anklage” is an accusation or charge against a person in a legal context.

Anklagen om underslæb var alvorlig, men beviserne var ikke stærke nok.

Vidne
A “vidne” is a witness, someone who has seen or knows something relevant to a legal case and may be called to testify.

Vidnet afgav sin forklaring roligt og detaljeret.

Tiltalt
The “tiltalt” is the accused or defendant in a criminal case.

Den tiltalte nægtede alle beskyldninger under retssagen.

Forfatning
“Forfatning” refers to a constitution, the system of fundamental principles according to which a state is governed.

Danmarks forfatning sikrer frihed og lighed for landets borgere.

Sagsøger
A “sagsøger” is the plaintiff, the person who brings a case against another in a court of law.

Sagsøgeren præsenterede nye beviser, som styrkede hendes sag.

Sagsøgt
Conversely, “sagsøgt” refers to the defendant, the individual, or entity against whom a lawsuit is filed.

Den sagsøgte anmodede om mere tid til at forberede sit forsvar.

Forsvarer
“Forsvarer” is the defense attorney who represents the accused party in a trial.

Forsvareren argumenterede kraftigt imod anklagerens påstande.

Dommer
A “dommer” is a judge, an official appointed to decide cases in a court of law.

Dommeren trak sig tilbage for at overveje dommen.

Lovgivning
“Lovgivning” refers to legislation or the body of laws and regulations in a particular area.

Den nye lovgivning på området træder i kraft næste år.

Erstatning
“Erstatning” is compensation or restitution paid to someone for loss or injury.

Offeret modtog erstatning efter lang tids juridisk kamp.

Kontrakt
A “kontrakt” is a contract or a legally binding agreement between parties.

Kontrakten blev underskrevet af begge parter efter grundig overvejelse.

Testamente
“Testamente” means a will, a legal document in which a person states who should receive their property after they die.

Hendes testamente blev åbnet og læst højt af advokaten.

As you dive into the world of Danish law and justice, these foundational legal terms provide a starting point for better understanding and engaging with legal texts, court proceedings, and the legal system in Denmark. Expanding your vocabulary in this arena not only enriches your language skills but also opens doors to exploring one of the most important facets of Danish society.