01
die Geltung
validity
The legal validity or effectiveness of a law, contract, or rule.
example
Das neue Gesetz erlangt am ersten Januar Geltung.
The new law comes into effect on the first of January.
die Geltung
validity / recognition
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'Geltung' (validity / recognition) is derived from the verb 'gelten' (to be valid / to count). If something 'gilt' (is valid), then it has 'Geltung' (validity). This connection helps you understand the meanings of validity and recognition.
EXAMPLE
Diese Regel gilt für alle Mitarbeiter.
This rule applies to all employees.
Fixed expressions
'Geltung' (validity / recognition) is very often used in the fixed expressions 'zur Geltung kommen' (to come into its own; something unfolds its effect by itself) and 'zur Geltung bringen' (to bring out; someone helps something unfold its effect).
EXAMPLE
Das Bild kommt in diesem Raum erst richtig zur Geltung.
The picture only really comes into its own in this room.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning 'Gültigkeit' (validity) from the context. It is almost always used together with formal or legal terms such as 'Gesetz' (law), 'Vertrag' (contract), 'Regel' (rule), or 'Verordnung' (regulation).
EXAMPLE
Die Geltung des alten Vertrags ist inzwischen abgelaufen.
The validity of the old contract has since expired.
Typical verbs
In a legal context, 'Geltung' (validity) is often combined with certain verbs: a law can 'Geltung erlangen' (come into effect), 'Geltung haben' (be valid), or 'seine Geltung verlieren' (lose its validity).
EXAMPLE
Dieses Gesetz hat seit 20 Jahren Geltung in unserem Land.
This law has been in force in our country for 20 years.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'Anerkennung' (recognition), 'Geltung' is often used with verbs that express striving for or achieving something, e.g. 'nach Geltung streben' (to strive for recognition), 'Geltung erlangen' (to gain recognition), or 'sich Geltung verschaffen' (to assert oneself / gain recognition).
EXAMPLE
Er hat sein ganzes Leben lang nach Geltung gestrebt.
He strove for recognition his entire life.
Compare with
Geltung vs Bedeutung
meaning / importance
'die Bedeutung' and 'die Geltung' can both have to do with effect, importance, or recognition. 'Bedeutung' is more general and says that something is important or has influence. 'Geltung' more often means that someone or something is recognized, has influence, or shows its effect. In expressions like 'zur Geltung kommen' (to come into its own), it is about something becoming visible or effective. The words can be confused because both can speak positively about importance. 'Bedeutung' fits general importance, while 'Geltung' fits more with status, recognition, or effect.
Geltung
Am Montag bringt der Lehrer die Ideen der Schüler im Unterricht gut zur Geltung.
On Monday, the teacher brings out the students' ideas well in class.
Bedeutung
Aus Zeitmangel haben wir über die Bedeutung des Projekts nur kurz gesprochen.
Because we were short on time, we only spoke briefly about the importance of the project.
In real life
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