Breakdown of Das Sorgerecht ist bekanntermaßen schwierig.
sein
to be
schwierig
difficult
das Sorgerecht
the custody
bekanntermaßen
as is known
Questions & Answers about Das Sorgerecht ist bekanntermaßen schwierig.
How does the suffix -ermaßen change the word bekannt in this sentence?
The suffix -ermaßen turns the adjective bekannt (known) into an adverb. It roughly translates to 'in a measure that is...' or 'as is...'. Here, bekanntermaßen efficiently communicates 'as is well known' or 'notoriously.' It is a sophisticated way to establish a commonly accepted fact.
English uses the passive phrase 'is known to be.' Why doesn't the German sentence use a passive structure?
English often relies on passive infinitive phrases ('is known to be', 'is said to be') to state general facts. German avoids this by packing the whole concept into a single adverb like bekanntermaßen. While you could use a clunkier phrase like Es ist bekannt, dass das Sorgerecht schwierig ist, using the adverb makes the sentence much more concise and natural.
Could I just use bekannt instead of bekanntermaßen here?
No, that would sound awkward. If you said Das Sorgerecht ist bekannt schwierig, it sounds like you are saying it is 'famously difficult,' where the word 'known' merely amplifies the adjective 'difficult'. Adding -ermaßen clearly marks it as an adverb that frames the entire statement: 'As everybody knows, custody is difficult.'
What is the literal breakdown of the word das Sorgerecht?
It is a compound noun made from die Sorge (care, concern, or worry) and das Recht (law or right). In a family and legal context, it specifically refers to child custody, which is literally the 'right to care' for a dependent.
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