befugt
authorized
Having official permission or the right to do something.
EXAMPLE
Nur der Geschäftsführer ist befugt, solche Verträge zu unterschreiben.
Only the managing director is authorized to sign such contracts.
befugt
authorized
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Meanings
Usage tips
Sentence structure with 'zu'
'Befugt' (authorized) is very often used in the construction 'befugt sein, etwas zu tun' (to be authorized to do something). It is therefore followed by an infinitive with 'zu' that describes the specific action for which the permission applies.
EXAMPLE
Der Sicherheitsdienst ist befugt, die Taschen zu kontrollieren.
The security staff are authorized to check the bags.
Register and style
This word belongs to formal language and is used mainly in professional, legal, or administrative contexts. In everyday language, people would more likely use 'dürfen' (to be allowed to) or 'die Erlaubnis haben' (to have permission).
EXAMPLE
Laut Vertrag ist er nicht befugt, Untermieter aufzunehmen.
According to the contract, he is not authorized to take in subtenants.
Word family
'Befugt' (authorized) belongs to the word family of 'die Befugnis' (authority, authorization, competence). The opposite is 'unbefugt' (unauthorized), which is often found on warning signs (e.g., 'Unbefugten ist der Zutritt verboten' — access is prohibited to unauthorized persons).
EXAMPLE
Das Betreten der Baustelle ist für Unbefugte strengstens verboten.
Entering the construction site is strictly prohibited for unauthorized persons.
Compare with
befugt vs zuständig
responsible
Zuständig describes whose official area of responsibility a matter falls within. Befugt describes who has official permission or the right to take a particular action. A person can be responsible for a matter without being authorized to make every decision connected with it themselves.
befugt
Nur die Abteilungsleiterin ist befugt, eine Erstattung für die falsche Rechnung zu genehmigen.
Only the department head is authorized to approve a refund for the incorrect invoice.
zuständig
Die Mitarbeiterin ist für Beschwerden über falsche Rechnungen zuständig.
The employee is responsible for complaints about incorrect invoices.
In real life
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