die Berechtigung
authorization
The official right or permission to do, have, or use something.
EXAMPLE
Haben Sie eine Berechtigung, diesen gesicherten Bereich zu betreten?
Do you have authorization to enter this secured area?
die Berechtigung
authorization / justification
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
die Berechtigung
justification
The justification or good reason for an action, a question, or an existence.
EXAMPLE
Die Frage nach der Berechtigung dieser hohen Ausgaben ist absolut verständlich.
The question of the justification for these high expenses is absolutely understandable.
Usage tips
Word family
'Die Berechtigung' (authorization/justification) is derived from the verb 'berechtigen' (to authorize), which in turn comes from the noun 'das Recht' (the right, law). So it is always about a granted right.
EXAMPLE
Ohne eine gültige Berechtigung ist der Zutritt verboten.
Without valid authorization, entry is prohibited.
Context clue
The meaning 'Erlaubnis' (permission) usually refers to a concrete action. The meaning 'Rechtfertigung' (justification) is more abstract and refers to the validity or point of something.
EXAMPLE
Er braucht eine Berechtigung, um die Software zu nutzen.
He needs authorization to use the software.
Sentence structure
In the meaning 'Erlaubnis' (permission), an infinitive construction with 'zu' is often added to describe what someone is allowed to do: 'die Berechtigung haben/bekommen, etwas zu tun' (to have/get authorization to do something).
EXAMPLE
Mit dieser Karte haben Sie die Berechtigung, alle Türen zu öffnen.
With this card, you have authorization to open all doors.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'Rechtfertigung' (justification), the fixed expression 'seine Berechtigung haben' is very common. It means that something is justified or meaningful.
EXAMPLE
Jede Meinung hat in einer offenen Diskussion ihre Berechtigung.
Every opinion has its justification in an open discussion.
Compare with
Berechtigung vs Recht
right / law
Recht can generally refer to a moral or legal claim. Berechtigung usually means the specific official permission or authorization for a particular action or use. When discussing a broad entitlement, Recht is appropriate; for a specific permission, Berechtigung is more precise.
Berechtigung
Für den Zugang zum Archiv braucht man eine besondere Berechtigung.
Special authorization is required to access the archive.
Recht
Jeder Mensch hat das Recht, seine Meinung frei zu äußern.
Everyone has the right to express their opinion freely.
In real life
Loading video examples...