01
die Lizenz
license
An official or governmental permission to do, use, or possess something specific.
example
Um als Arzt zu praktizieren, benötigt man eine staatliche Lizenz.
To practice as a doctor, you need a state license.
die Lizenz
license
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Typical verbs
Regardless of the exact meaning, 'Lizenz' (license) is often combined with certain verbs. You can 'beantragen' (apply for), 'erhalten' (receive), 'besitzen' (possess), 'verlängern' (renew/extend), or 'verlieren' (lose) a license. An authority or rights holder can 'erteilen' (grant), 'vergeben' (award), or 'entziehen' (revoke) a license.
EXAMPLE
Das Unternehmen hat die Lizenz für den Vertrieb des Produkts verloren.
The company has lost the license to distribute the product.
Sentence structure
To describe what a license applies to, you usually use the preposition 'für' with the accusative or 'zu' with an infinitive. The construction with 'für' is more common in everyday language.
EXAMPLE
Er besitzt eine Lizenz für den Personenverkehr.
He has a license for passenger transport.
Context: authorities
In this meaning, it refers to an official, often state-issued permission. Typical examples are a 'Baulizenz' (building permit/license), a 'Sendelizenz' (broadcasting license) for a radio station, or an 'Importlizenz' (import license) for goods.
EXAMPLE
Für den Bau des neuen Supermarktes wurde die Lizenz erteilt.
The license was granted for the construction of the new supermarket.
Context: copyright
When it comes to intellectual property, people often speak of a 'Softwarelizenz' (software license), 'Fotolizenz' (photo license), or 'Musiklizenz' (music license). Typical verbs here are 'erwerben' (to acquire/purchase) or 'kaufen' (to buy).
EXAMPLE
Die Bilder stehen unter einer freien Lizenz und dürfen verwendet werden.
The images are under a free license and may be used.
Context: sports
In sports, the license refers to the official authorization to play or participate. For example, people speak of a 'Spielerlizenz' (player license), a 'Trainerlizenz' (coaching license), or a 'Rennlizenz' (racing license).
EXAMPLE
Der Verein hat für den neuen Stürmer noch keine Spielerlizenz bekommen.
The club has not yet received a player license for the new striker.
Compare with
Lizenz vs Genehmigung
approval / permit
'Genehmigung' and 'Lizenz' both have to do with official permission. 'Genehmigung' is more appropriate when an authority or responsible person allows a specific plan, for example a renovation or an event. 'Lizenz' often means a specific right to use, possess, or officially practice something. This can be in software, music, sports, or certain activities. The words can be confused because both can mean permission. A practical tip: for a single plan or project, people often say 'Genehmigung'; for a right of use or a special authorization, 'Lizenz' is more likely.
Lizenz
Für das Bild auf der Webseite braucht die Firma eine gültige Lizenz.
The company needs a valid license for the image on the website.
Genehmigung
Für den neuen Zaun im Garten haben wir eine Genehmigung von der Stadt bekommen.
We received a permit from the city for the new fence in the garden.
In real life
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