to authorize
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to authorize
To give someone official permission or authority to do something specific. This often happens in a formal or professional context.
Der Geschäftsführer hat seine Assistentin autorisiert, die Verträge in seiner Abwesenheit zu unterschreiben.
The managing director authorized his assistant to sign the contracts in his absence.
The verb 'autorisieren' (to authorize) is closely related to the noun 'die Autorität' (authority). When you authorize someone, you give them a form of authority or official authorization.
Nur der Projektleiter ist autorisiert, das Budget zu genehmigen.
Only the project manager is authorized to approve the budget.
'Autorisieren' (to authorize) is very often used with an infinitive construction. The structure is: 'jemanden (Akkusativ) autorisieren, etwas zu tun' (to authorize someone, accusative, to do something).
Die Chefin hat mich autorisiert, die Dokumente für sie zu prüfen.
The boss authorized me to check the documents for her.
'Autorisieren' (to authorize) is a formal word. It is used mainly in professional, legal, or administrative contexts.
Bitte autorisieren Sie die Zahlung durch Ihre Unterschrift.
Please authorize the payment with your signature.
In information technology, you can recognize this meaning from words like 'Benutzer' (user), 'Zugriff' (access), 'System' (system), or 'Daten' (data). Here it is about technical access rights.
Der Administrator muss Ihren Account für die Datenbank autorisieren.
The administrator has to authorize your account for the database.
This meaning is connected with the word 'der Autor' (the author). When the context is texts, books, translations, or manuscripts, 'autorisieren' (to authorize) means official approval by the author or creator.
Die Erben haben die Veröffentlichung der unvollendeten Biografie nicht autorisiert.
The heirs did not authorize the publication of the unfinished biography.
to confirm
'bestätigen' and 'autorisieren' both have to do with official approval or confirmation. 'bestätigen' is used when you say that something is correct, valid, or has been received, for example an appointment or a piece of information. 'autorisieren' goes further: someone receives permission, authority, or certain rights to do something. In technology, this can also mean that someone is given access to data. For appointments, receipt, and simple confirmations, 'bestätigen' sounds more natural. When it is about rights, permission, or approval for release, 'autorisieren' is more precise.
Nur die Chefin darf neue Mitarbeiter für den Zugriff auf das System autorisieren.
Only the boss is allowed to authorize new employees to access the system.
Die Praxis bestätigt den Termin, sobald alle Unterlagen da sind.
The doctor's office confirms the appointment as soon as all the documents are there.