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Amtspflicht

official duty; duty of care owed by a public official

noun AMTS-pflicht Rare

Usage Note

Amtspflicht is the legal obligation binding civil servants to act lawfully and in citizens' interests. A breach (Amtspflichtverletzung) can give rise to state liability under § 839 BGB. The concept underpins German administrative law.

Examples

"Der Beamte hatte seine Amtspflicht verletzt, indem er die Akte nicht rechtzeitig bearbeitete."

Natural Translation

The civil servant had breached his official duty by not processing the file in time.

Literal Translation

The official had violated his official-duty by not processing the file on time.

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