noun
authority, agency
B1
Behörde: an authority or agency, usually a public/government office or administrative body. Noun: die Behörde. Plural: Behörden (adds -n). Declines regularly (die Behörde, der Behörde, den Behörden). Often used for official institutions; no irregular plural but typically refers to government or bureaucratic organizations.
Examples
Die Akte wurde von der Behörde überprüft, bevor der Vertrag unterschrieben wurde.
The file was checked by the authority before the contract was signed.
Du musst die Behörde kontaktieren, um das Formular einzureichen.
You need to contact the agency to submit the form.
Sie erhalten ein Schreiben von der zuständigen Behörde.
You will receive a letter from the competent authority.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture a government office building with a sign 'Behörde' where papers are processed
sounds like 'be + herd' — imagine a herd being managed by an authority
die Behörde — think 'die' and 'die Dame' (female official) to remember feminine
Notes
Behörde is a general term for an official office or authority. It's often used for public institutions; be careful not to interchange it with 'Amt' in all contexts — some organizations prefer one term over the other.