to authorize / empower
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to authorize
To give a person or institution official permission, the right, or the authority to do something specific. This often happens in a legal or formal context.
Der Vorstand wurde ermächtigt, die notwendigen Verträge abzuschließen.
The board was authorized to conclude the necessary contracts.
to seize
(elevated, becoming dated) To take possession of something by force or unlawfully.
Der Rebell ermächtigte sich des Throns.
The rebel seized the throne.
The verb is derived from the adjective 'mächtig' (powerful). The prefix 'er-' and the ending '-en' turn it into a verb. Literally, it means to give someone the power to do something.
Mit dieser Vollmacht wird sie zur Durchführung des Geschäfts ermächtigt.
With this power of attorney, she is authorized to carry out the transaction.
'Ermächtigen' (to authorize/empower) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'er-' is never separated from the rest of the verb in a sentence.
Das Gesetz ermächtigt die Behörde, Kontrollen durchzuführen.
The law authorizes the authority to carry out inspections.
The construction is fixed: you authorize someone (accusative) for something (dative) in German. Very often, this is followed by an infinitive clause with 'zu' that describes the permitted action.
Ich ermächtige Sie, in meinem Namen zu unterschreiben.
I authorize you to sign on my behalf.
This word belongs to formal administrative and legal language. It is used when talking about official permissions, powers of attorney, or legal powers.
Der Geschäftsführer wurde ermächtigt, den Vertrag zu unterzeichnen.
The managing director was authorized to sign the contract.
In this dated meaning, the verb is used reflexively and with a genitive object: 'sich einer Sache ermächtigen' (to seize/take possession of something). This structure is very rare today and is found almost only in historical or literary texts.
Der General versuchte, sich der Festung zu ermächtigen.
The general tried to seize the fortress.
to enable
Both words describe something being possible. „Ermöglichen“ refers to the necessary conditions or means without giving anyone a special right. „Ermächtigen“, by contrast, means officially transferring permission or authority to a person or institution. Use „ermöglichen“ for the possibility and „ermächtigen“ for formal authority.
Der Vorstand ermächtigte die Direktorin, den Vertrag zu unterschreiben.
The board authorized the director to sign the contract.
Die neue Rampe ermöglicht Menschen im Rollstuhl den Zugang zum Gebäude.
The new ramp enables people in wheelchairs to access the building.
