nach Maßgabe

In Accordance with (Nach Maßgabe)

Level 6

nach Maßgabe is a high-level (C2) formal expression used in Legal German. It functions as a complex preposition that usually requires the Genitive case. It indicates that an action is governed or limited by a specific set of rules or conditions.

How It Works

The phrase nach Maßgabe is a hallmark of Administrative German. To use it correctly, follow these rules:

  • Case: It almost always governs the Genitive case. For example: nach Maßgabe der Gesetze.
  • Dative Exception: If the Genitive is not clearly marked (common with plural nouns without articles), use von + Dativ. For example: nach Maßgabe von Richtlinien.
  • Register: This is strictly for formal writing (contracts, laws, official letters). Using it in conversation sounds unnaturally stiff.
  • Distinction: Do not confuse it with mit der Maßgabe, dass..., which introduces a new condition or proviso rather than referring back to an existing rule.

Examples (4)

  1. Die Verteilung der Sitze erfolgt nach Maßgabe der abgegebenen Stimmen.

    The distribution of seats takes place in accordance with the votes cast.

    Word by Word: The distribution of the seats occurs after measure of the given votes.

    Here, the phrase indicates that the number of seats is proportional to the number of votes.

  2. Der Arbeitgeber gewährt einen Bonus nach Maßgabe des wirtschaftlichen Erfolgs.

    The employer grants a bonus according to the measure of economic success.

    Word by Word: The employer grants a bonus after measure of the economic success.

    This shows how the bonus is limited or defined by the specific 'measure' of success.

  3. Jeder hat das Recht auf Zugang zu Ämtern nach Maßgabe seiner Eignung.

    Everyone has the right to access to public office in accordance with their suitability.

    Word by Word: Everyone has the right to access to offices after measure of his suitability.

    A classic constitutional phrasing where a right is bounded by specific criteria (suitability).

  4. Die Förderung wird nach Maßgabe von Richtlinien vergeben.

    The funding is awarded in accordance with guidelines.

    Word by Word: The funding becomes after measure of guidelines awarded.

    Since 'Richtlinien' (plural) has no article here, the genitive is ambiguous, so 'von + Dative' is used instead.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the Dative case instead of the Genitive.

    nach Maßgabe dem Gesetz
    nach Maßgabe des Gesetzes

    Learners often use the Dative because common synonyms like 'gemäß' require it, but 'nach Maßgabe' requires the Genitive.

  • Confusing 'nach Maßgabe' with 'mit der Maßgabe'.

    Ich helfe dir, nach Maßgabe dass du aufräumst.
    Ich helfe dir mit der Maßgabe, dass du aufräumst.

    'Nach Maßgabe' refers to an existing rule. 'Mit der Maßgabe' is used to set a new condition (a proviso).

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

nach MaßgabeLevel 6In Accordance with (Nach Maßgabe)

Learn This First

To understand 'nach Maßgabe', a learner must be comfortable with the genitive case, as this fixed legal phrase functions as a complex preposition that governs the genitive. Additionally, familiarity with the formal register of Legal German (Juristendeutsch) is essential to understand its usage context.

Words in This Pattern

Maßgabe