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
die Lizenz
license
The legal right to use a copyrighted work such as software, music, or images, granted by the rights holder in exchange for a fee.
EXAMPLE
Für das Bildbearbeitungsprogramm müssen Sie eine Lizenz erwerben.
You need to purchase a license for the image-editing program.
die Lizenz
license
Permission for an athlete or team to participate in official competitions in a particular sport or league.
EXAMPLE
Der Rennfahrer hat seine Lizenz für die Formel 1 erhalten.
The racing driver received his license for Formula 1.
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
Both words can refer to official permission for a specific project or activity. Genehmigung is general formal approval, while Lizenz refers to officially granted permission for a specific activity, use, or possession. Which term is appropriate often depends on the prescribed procedure.
Lizenz
Für den Betrieb des kleinen Cafés braucht die Betreiberin eine offizielle Lizenz.
The café operator needs an official license to run the small café.
Genehmigung
Für den Bau des kleinen Cafés erhielt die Betreiberin die Genehmigung der Behörde.
The café operator received the authorities’ approval to build the small café.
In real life
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