von Amts wegen
Translation
ex officio, by virtue of office, officially
Examples
Das Gericht handelt von Amts wegen.
The court acts ex officio.
Die Ermittlung wurde von Amts wegen eingeleitet.
The investigation was initiated officially.
Grammar Patterns
to ((act)) von Amts wegen to act ex officio The authority investigates the case ex officio.
Similar Words
officially, automatically
Etymology
From 'von' (from) + 'Amts' (genitive of Amt, office) + 'wegen' (because of). Literally 'because of office'.
Memory Tips
Think of an action taken 'by the office' itself, without an external request. It's an automatic, official procedure.