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
die Geltung
recognition
The status, influence, or recognition that a person or thing has in society.
EXAMPLE
Der Künstler strebte nach Geltung in der Kunstszene.
The artist strove for recognition in the art scene.
zur Geltung kommen
to come into its own
To be perceived effectively, visibly, or favorably; to unfold its full effect.
EXAMPLE
In diesem schlichten Rahmen kommt das Gemälde erst richtig zur Geltung.
In this simple frame, the painting really comes into its own.
zur Geltung bringen
to bring out
To make sure that something is noticed or can unfold its effect; to emphasize or highlight something.
EXAMPLE
Mit der richtigen Beleuchtung können Sie die besten Eigenschaften des Raumes zur Geltung bringen.
With the right lighting, you can bring out the best features of the room.
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 ansehen
to look at / to watch
Ansehen and Geltung can both refer to social recognition. Ansehen particularly emphasizes a good reputation and respect. Geltung can additionally emphasize a person's or thing's importance or influence; for this nuance, Geltung is the better choice.
Geltung
Durch ihre Forschung gewann die Professorin auch international an Geltung.
Through her research, the professor also gained international recognition.
ansehen
Die Professorin genießt wegen ihrer zuverlässigen Arbeit hohes Ansehen.
The professor enjoys a high level of respect because of her reliable work.
In real life
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