“Speak” in the German expression means a decision.
The German expression should not be read only literally. “Recht sprechen” means more than talking about a law or reading a text aloud. A court examines a case within the applicable procedure and decides legal questions.
Judges must interpret law and apply it to the facts. That requires a reasoned assessment rather than personal preference. Independence protects this work from improper influence, while being subject to law constrains it.
The other three answers
The question asks for the activity that defines judicial work.
to govern Germany
Governing Germany is a function of the political executive. A judge can review state decisions legally without becoming the Federal Government.
to create plans
Courts also have to organise their work. Making plans, however, does not identify the distinctive judicial function. The question seeks legal decision-making in cases.
to enact laws
Enacting laws through parliamentary procedure belongs to legislation. Judges interpret and apply law. A judgment is therefore not the same as a statute passed by parliament.
Interpreting law involves more than reading a rule.
The distinction from legislation does not mean courts merely repeat texts automatically. They must decide legal questions with reasons. They may not replace their legal obligations with personal political wishes.
If a court considers a statute relevant to the case unconstitutional, Article 100 provides a regulated referral procedure. This shows that reviewing legislation also follows constitutional responsibilities and procedures.
Article 97 · Basic Law ↗Judges adjudicate: they administer justice.
Connect the person, activity and branch: judge – administer justice – judiciary. This also helps recognise differently worded questions.
Three words for this question
- Recht sprechenadminister justice / adjudicate
- To decide legal questions judicially.
- auslegeninterpret
- To determine a rule’s legal meaning for its application.
- gesetzgebendlegislative
- Relating to passing legislation.