legal basis
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legal basis
A legal or moral basis, reason, or pretext for taking action against someone or something. It refers to the possibility of taking measures.
Ohne konkrete Beweise hat die Polizei keine rechtliche Handhabe, um gegen den Verdächtigen zu ermitteln.
Without concrete evidence, the police have no legal basis for investigating the suspect.
The noun 'die Handhabe' (legal basis) is closely related to the verb 'handhaben' (to manage, to handle something). 'Handhabe' is the basis or reason that allows someone to 'handhaben' (handle) a situation.
Der Chef hatte eine klare Handhabe, um den Mitarbeiter zu ermahnen.
The boss had a clear basis for reprimanding the employee.
This word belongs to formal language. You often find it in legal, political, or administrative texts.
Das neue Gesetz gibt den Behörden eine bessere Handhabe gegen Umweltverschmutzung.
The new law gives the authorities a better legal basis for acting against environmental pollution.
The structure is often: '(k)eine Handhabe gegen jemanden/etwas haben' (to have/no have basis for taking action against someone/something). The preposition 'gegen' is always followed by the accusative.
Die Nachbarn hatten keine rechtliche Handhabe gegen den Lärm.
The neighbors had no legal basis for taking action against the noise.
'Handhabe' (legal basis) is almost always used with an adjective or in a negation. Typical phrases are 'eine rechtliche/gesetzliche Handhabe haben' (to have a legal/statutory basis) or 'keine Handhabe haben' (to have no basis for taking action).
Ohne Zeugen hatte die Staatsanwaltschaft keine Handhabe für eine Anklage.
Without witnesses, the public prosecutor's office had no basis for an indictment.
remedy / means
'das Mittel' and 'die Handhabe' can both refer to something that allows you to act or achieve a goal. 'das Mittel' is very general: it can be a method, a way, or a measure. 'die Handhabe' is much more specific. It means a legal or moral basis for taking action against someone or something. The words can be confused because both have to do with possibilities for action. If you are talking generally about a solution, 'Mittel' fits. If you are talking about a basis for measures or complaints, 'Handhabe' fits better.
Ohne schriftlichen Vertrag hat der Kunde kaum eine Handhabe gegen die Firma.
Without a written contract, the customer has hardly any legal basis for taking action against the company.
Ein ruhiges Gespräch ist oft das beste Mittel gegen Streit im Team.
A calm conversation is often the best means of dealing with conflict in a team.