## Decoding Behördensprache: A Guide for English Learners

Hello everyone, my name is John Doe, and I’m a German tutor. I often work with students who are frustrated by something called “Behördensprache.” Don’t worry, it’s a common challenge, and you can definitely understand it!

Simply put, “Behördensprache” is the specific way German government agencies and official institutions communicate. It’s not your everyday German spoken in cafes or shops. It’s a very precise, formal, and often incredibly complicated style. Think of it like a highly technical jargon used for specific purposes – usually dealing with paperwork, regulations, and procedures.

What makes Behördensprache so… different?

Several things contribute to its unique character. Firstly, there’s a huge reliance on legal terms, which can seem completely foreign at first. Secondly, sentences are often incredibly long and convoluted. Thirdly, there’s a tendency to use passive voice and abstract nouns, which can make it difficult to grasp the core meaning.

Let’s look at some examples:

• Instead of: Ich beantrage die Auskunft. (I request information.)
• You might hear: Es wird ein Auskunfragendum beantragt. (An information request will be submitted.)

• Instead of: Sie müssen das Formular ausfüllen. (You must fill out the form.)
• You might hear: Die Ausfüllung des Formulars ist erforderlich. (The completion of the form is required.)

• Instead of: Die Genehmigung wird ausgestellt. (The approval will be issued.)
• You might hear: Die Ausstellung einer Genehmigung ist vorgesehen. (The issuance of an approval is planned.)

Practical Usage – How it Relates to Your Life

You’ll likely encounter Behördensprache when dealing with the Jobcenter (employment agency), the Finanzamt (tax office), or other government offices. For example, when applying for a Antrag auf Arbeitslosengeld (unemployment benefit), you will almost certainly be dealing with forms and letters filled with Behördensprache.

Here’s a simple example you might see:

• Die Vorlage der erforderlichen Unterlagen ist vor der Bearbeitung des Antrags zu stellen. (The submission of the required documents must be provided before processing the application.)

Translation: Please bring the necessary documents to the office before they process your application.

Tips for Understanding:

• Break it down: Don’t try to understand the whole sentence at once. Focus on individual phrases.
• Look for keywords: Identify key nouns and verbs. These often reveal the core meaning.
• Don’t be afraid to ask: If you’re unsure about something, politely ask for clarification. You can say: “Könnten Sie das bitte erläutern?” (Could you please explain that?)

Learning Behördensprache takes time and practice. Don’t get discouraged! With patience and a systematic approach, you’ll be able to decipher it and navigate the German administrative system with greater confidence.

Mary Carry has some great online resources too – search for “Behördensprache” on her website!

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