to approve
Loading your saved state.
to approve
To give official permission or approval for something, usually for an application or a project.
Die Baubehörde hat den Bauplan für das neue Haus genehmigt.
The building authority approved the construction plan for the new house.
The verb 'genehmigen' (to approve) is often used with a person in the dative who receives the permission. The structure is: subject (who approves?) genehmigt jemandem (dative) etwas (accusative).
Mein Chef hat mir den Urlaub genehmigt.
My boss approved my vacation for me.
The difference between the meanings becomes clear through the reflexive pronoun 'sich'. Without 'sich', it means 'to officially allow'. With 'sich', it means 'to treat oneself to something'.
Die Stadt genehmigt den Bau der neuen Brücke.
The city approves the construction of the new bridge.
In the meaning 'erlauben' (to allow), 'genehmigen' belongs to formal or official language. You often find it in business emails, applications, or official documents.
Der Antrag auf Fördermittel wurde vom Ausschuss genehmigt.
The application for funding was approved by the committee.
The expression 'sich etwas genehmigen' (to treat oneself to something) always uses a reflexive pronoun in the dative. The person treating themselves to something is in the dative (mir, dir, sich, etc.), and the thing being treated to is in the accusative.
Genehmigst du dir auch ein Stück von dem leckeren Kuchen?
Are you treating yourself to a piece of that delicious cake too?
to allow
'erlauben' and 'genehmigen' both have to do with approval. 'erlauben' is more general and fits many everyday situations: a person says that someone is allowed to do something. 'genehmigen' is more official and means that an application, plan, or project is reviewed and accepted. Learners may confuse the words because both express a positive decision. As a simple rule: with parents, teachers, or small everyday situations, you are more likely to say 'erlauben'. With authorities, bosses, applications, or projects, 'genehmigen' fits better.
Die Stadt genehmigt den Bau des neuen Kindergartens.
The city approves the construction of the new kindergarten.
Erlaubt ihr mir, heute früher nach Hause zu gehen?
Will you allow me to go home earlier today?