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.
right / law
'das Recht' and 'die Befugnis' can both express that someone is allowed to do something. 'das Recht' is broader and can refer to many personal, moral, or legal claims. 'die Befugnis' is narrower and more formal: it means an official power or authority to decide, order, or do something. That is why 'Befugnis' is especially suitable when talking about the police, authorities, bosses, or specific roles. The words can be confused because both can sound like a kind of permission. Remember: anyone can have a right; you usually have 'eine Befugnis' through an office, a task, or a special role.
Im Krankenhaus hat nur die Ärztin die Befugnis, diese Entscheidung zu treffen.
In the hospital, only the doctor has the authority to make this decision.
Auch Mieter haben das Recht, ihre Wohnung in Ruhe zu nutzen.
Tenants also have the right to use their apartment in peace.