Comparative law notes
In many contexts, this German term refers to a very specific form of public notice, one that a large proportion of society associates with this term: namely, the notice given under sec. 12 of the Ehegesetz (Marriage Act). The purpose behind this formal public notice is to afford an opportunity to uncover possible impediments to marriage. Thus, this form of notification is designed to create a formal legal solution, which is obviously different than the informal engagement notices typically published in US newspapers.