Jedem das seine

[Scylax]

Can any German scholar enlighten me about
the connotative meaning of these words, which
adorn the gates of Buchenwald Concentration Camp?

[webbo3]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jedem_das_Seine

it means "each to his own"

[Quizmonkey]

No it doesn't! It means "to each his own" - quite a different meaning. 'Jedem' is in the dative.

[Scylax]

Thank you both.

I knew the denotative meaning of the phrase, i.e. its
literal meaning, but don't quite grasp the subtlety of
its connotation.

What is being said, with its over-and undertones ?

[tara20]

It was also the final insult to the prisoners since the wording was mounted in such a way that it should be read from inside the camp.
-rough translation from the common law book:
"Justice is the art of the good and the just.
Justice is the unshakeable and enduring will, to guarantee the rights of every man.
The rules of justice are as follows: Live honestly, do not harm others, and grant to each his own."
Today you would probably say "live and let live", which gives
the inscription a sinister meaning.
(Sorry, if my translation is a bit wooden - it`s late)

[Scylax]

Excellent, Tara20. You've made my day.

I first saw this inscription at Buchenwald about
a week after the 'Iron Curtain' crumbled. I enquired
on site about the meaning, but was misinformed
that it signified 'you get what you deserve', but that
was just a bit too flippant.

A precise rendering has eluded me since then, but
today...ha...eureka. My gratitude, T.