höhere Gewalt

== German == === Etymology === Literally, “higher power/force”. Compare French force majeure and similar forms in other languages. === Pronunciation === === Noun === höhere Gewalt f (definite nominative die höhere Gewalt, genitive höherer Gewalt, definite genitive der höheren Gewalt, no plural) Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see hoch,‎ Gewalt.. (law) force majeure; act of God (an event for which someone cannot be held responsible because it was out of their capacity to influence or foresee it) ==== Usage notes ==== The plural must be paraphrased as Fälle höherer Gewalt, or the like. As with all law terms, there may be subtle but important differences between jurisdictions.