legitimation / identification
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legitimation
The legal or moral justification or recognition of a person, action, or condition. The authorization to be considered legitimate.
Die Legitimation der neuen Regierung wird von Teilen der Bevölkerung infrage gestellt.
The legitimation of the new government is being called into question by parts of the population.
identification
A document or other proof with which one proves one's identity or authorization. Synonymous with ID or proof of authorization.
Bitte zeigen Sie am Eingang Ihre Legitimation in Form eines Personalausweises vor.
Please show your identification at the entrance in the form of an ID card.
The word 'Legitimation' belongs to the word family of 'legitim' (legitimate) and the verb 'legitimieren' (to legitimize/justify). The ending '-ation' often denotes a process or result, here meaning the act or result of justification.
Ein Anwalt kann die Vaterschaft legitimieren lassen.
A lawyer can have paternity legitimized.
You can recognize the meaning from context. If it is about an abstract, moral, or political justification (e.g., of a government or an action), meaning 1 is intended. If it is about a concrete document used to prove identity (e.g., ID card, passport), meaning 2 is intended.
Die Legitimation der Macht ist ein zentrales Thema in der Politikwissenschaft.
The legitimation of power is a central topic in political science.
In the sense of justification, 'Legitimation' (legitimation) is often used with verbs such as 'schaffen' (to create), 'verlieren' (to lose), 'besitzen' (to possess), or 'infrage stellen' (to call into question). Common adjectives are 'politische' (political), 'moralische' (moral), or 'rechtliche' (legal) 'Legitimation'.
Durch die Wahl erhielt die Regierung eine neue Legitimation.
Through the election, the government received new legitimation.
When 'Legitimation' (identification) means a document, it is often combined with verbs such as 'vorzeigen' (to show/present), 'benötigen' (to need), or 'verlangen' (to require). In this context, it is a formal term for an ID or proof.
Jeder Teilnehmer muss bei der Anmeldung eine Legitimation vorzeigen.
Each participant must show identification when registering.
proof / evidence
A Nachweis is generally proof that something is true or exists. A Legitimation is more specific: it is used by a person to prove their identity or authorization. An ID document can therefore be both a Legitimation and a Nachweis.
Am Eingang zeige ich meinen Dienstausweis als Legitimation vor.
At the entrance, I show my work ID as proof of my authorization.
Am Eingang muss ich einen Nachweis meiner Zugangsberechtigung vorlegen.
At the entrance, I have to present proof that I am authorized to enter.
