authorization / authority
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authorization
The official right or formal permission to do, decide, or order something specific. It refers to an assigned competence or area of authority.
Der Polizist hatte nicht die Befugnis, das Haus ohne Durchsuchungsbefehl zu betreten.
The police officer did not have the authorization to enter the house without a search warrant.
'Befugnis' (authorization/authority) is a formal word used mainly in official, legal, and administrative language. It emphasizes official, assigned permission.
Die Geschäftsführung hat die Befugnis, neue Mitarbeiter einzustellen.
Management has the authorization to hire new employees.
'Befugnis' (authorization) is very often combined with a verb in the infinitive with 'zu' (to). This construction describes exactly which action is permitted.
Der Sicherheitsdienst hat die Befugnis, die Taschen der Besucher zu kontrollieren.
Security staff have the authorization to check visitors' bags.
Common verbs used with 'Befugnis' (authorization) are 'die Befugnis haben' (to have the authorization), 'eine Befugnis erteilen' (to grant authorization), or 'seine Befugnisse überschreiten' (to exceed one's authority).
Mit dieser Aktion hat der Abteilungsleiter seine Befugnisse klar überschritten.
With this action, the department head clearly exceeded his authority.
competence / authority
Kompetenz and Befugnis can both refer to official decision-making authority. Kompetenz tends to emphasize the assigned area of decision-making, while Befugnis emphasizes the specific official right to do or order something. Use „Kompetenz“ for the area of authority and „Befugnis“ for the permitted action.
Die Abteilungsleiterin hat die Befugnis, den Vertrag offiziell zu unterschreiben.
The department head is authorized to sign the contract officially.
Die Abteilungsleiterin hat die Kompetenz, über die Einstellung neuer Mitarbeiter zu entscheiden.
The department head has the authority to decide who to hire.
