privilege
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privilege
A special right, advantage, or benefit that belongs only to a particular person or group.
In vielen Ländern ist der Zugang zu sauberem Wasser kein Privileg, sondern ein täglicher Kampf.
In many countries, access to clean water is not a privilege but a daily struggle.
'Privileg' (privilege) is very often used in the construction 'das Privileg haben, etwas zu tun' (to have the privilege of doing something). It is followed by an infinitive clause with 'zu'.
Er hatte das Privileg, eine sehr gute Ausbildung zu genießen.
He had the privilege of enjoying a very good education.
The first meaning (advantage) is often used in the plural ('Privilegien') and in sociopolitical contexts. The second meaning (honor) almost always appears in the singular and is a personal, polite statement.
Die Diskussion drehte sich um die Privilegien der Oberschicht.
The discussion centered on the privileges of the upper class.
In the meaning of an advantage, 'Privileg' (privilege) is often combined with the verbs 'genießen' (to enjoy), 'haben' (to have), or 'besitzen' (to possess).
Als Mitarbeiter der Firma genießt er einige Privilegien.
As an employee of the company, he enjoys some privileges.
The phrase 'Es ist mir ein Privileg' (it is a privilege for me) or 'Ich hatte das Privileg' (I had the privilege) is a polite and often formal way to express that you feel something is a special honor.
Es ist mir ein großes Privileg, Sie heute hier begrüßen zu dürfen.
It is a great privilege for me to be allowed to welcome you here today.
right / law
'das Recht' and 'das Privileg' can both mean that someone is allowed to do something or has an advantage. But 'das Recht' sounds more general and stronger: it is something someone is entitled to, often through rules, laws, or justice. 'das Privileg' is something special that not everyone has. It can be a special advantage or also a special honor. Learners may confuse the words because a privilege can sometimes seem like a right. The important difference is: a right is normally meant to apply to everyone in a certain situation, while a privilege applies only to certain people or groups.
Für Lisa ist es ein Privileg, jeden Sommer reisen zu können.
For Lisa, it is a privilege to be able to travel every summer.
Jedes Kind hat das Recht auf Bildung.
Every child has the right to education.