legacy / papal legation
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legacy
In inheritance law, a specific financial benefit (e.g., a sum of money or an object) that is given to a person through a will without making them an heir. Synonymous with bequest.
Sie erhielt aus dem Testament ihrer Tante ein Legat in Höhe von 10.000 Euro.
She received a legacy of 10,000 euros from her aunt's will.
'Legat' (legacy / papal legation) is a technical term. It is used almost exclusively in a legal context (inheritance law) or in a historical context (church history).
Der Anwalt erklärte die juristischen Details des Legats.
The lawyer explained the legal details of the legacy.
You can easily recognize the meaning from context. If it is about a will, inheritance, or money, it means a bequest. If it is about the pope, the Middle Ages, or an envoy, it refers to the office.
Im Testament wurde ein Legat für den Tierschutzverein festgelegt.
A legacy for the animal welfare association was specified in the will.
In the legal sense, 'Legat' is often combined with verbs such as 'erhalten' (to receive), 'hinterlassen' (to leave behind), or 'aussetzen' (to bequeath). It always describes a benefit from an inheritance.
Er hat seiner Nichte testamentarisch ein Legat hinterlassen.
He left his niece a legacy in his will.
inheritance / heritage
'das Erbe' and 'das Legat' both have to do with assets after a person's death. 'das Erbe' is the whole estate: money, possessions, but also possible debts. A person who inherits legally takes on this whole role. 'das Legat' is more specific and usually more legal: a person receives only a specific benefit through a will, for example a watch or a sum of money, without being an heir themselves. The words can be confused because both can appear in a will. As a practical rule: das Erbe is the whole thing; das Legat is a specific part or object.
Im Testament stand ein Legat für die Nachbarin: Sie sollte die alte Standuhr bekommen.
The will included a legacy for the neighbor: she was to receive the old grandfather clock.
Nach dem Tod des Onkels musste die Familie das Erbe genau prüfen.
After the uncle's death, the family had to examine the inheritance carefully.