legitim
legitimate
Legally recognized or lawful; in accordance with the law.
EXAMPLE
Der gewählte Präsident ist der legitime Vertreter des Volkes.
The elected president is the legitimate representative of the people.
legitim
legitimate
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
legitim
legitimate
Valid, justified, or generally considered acceptable.
EXAMPLE
Es ist ein legitimes Anliegen, nach einer Gehaltserhöhung zu fragen.
It is a legitimate concern to ask for a raise.
Usage tips
Word family
The word 'legitim' (legitimate) comes from the Latin word for law ('lex'). This origin helps you understand and remember the basic meaning of 'lawful' or 'legal'.
EXAMPLE
Die Opposition zweifelt an der Legitimität der Wahl.
The opposition doubts the legitimacy of the election.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'lawful', 'legitim' (legitimate) is often used in political or legal contexts. Typical combinations are 'legitimer Nachfolger' (legitimate successor), 'legitime Regierung' (legitimate government), or 'legitimer Erbe' (legitimate heir).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Tod des Königs gab es Streit um den legitimen Thronfolger.
After the king's death, there was a dispute over the legitimate heir to the throne.
Sentence structure with infinitive
In the meaning of 'justified', the structure 'Es ist legitim, etwas zu tun' (It is legitimate to do something) is often used. This construction with an infinitive with 'zu' is very common for describing an action as acceptable.
EXAMPLE
Es ist legitim, mit der Entscheidung nicht einverstanden zu sein.
It is legitimate to disagree with the decision.
Context clue
This meaning is often recognizable from nouns that express an opinion, a wish, or a demand. Typical combinations are 'eine legitime Frage' (a legitimate question), 'ein legitimes Interesse' (a legitimate interest), or 'ein legitimer Wunsch' (a legitimate wish).
EXAMPLE
Der Wunsch nach mehr Freizeit ist ein legitimes Anliegen der Mitarbeiter.
The desire for more free time is a legitimate concern of the employees.
Compare with
legitim vs berechtigt
justified / entitled
Berechtigt and legitim can both describe a demand or criticism as acceptable. Berechtigt refers more to the specific reason or claim, while legitim focuses more on general acceptability. Berechtigt is appropriate for a well-founded concern; legitim can also be used for a demand that is acceptable in principle.
legitim
Die Forderung der Eltern nach mehr Informationen ist legitim, weil sie die Entwicklung ihrer Kinder betrifft.
The parents' demand for more information is legitimate because it concerns their children's development.
berechtigt
Die Forderung der Eltern nach mehr Informationen ist berechtigt, weil wichtige Fragen offen sind.
The parents' demand for more information is justified because important questions remain unanswered.
In real life
Loading video examples...