privilege / charter
das Privilegium, die Privilegien
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privilege
A special right or advantage granted to a person or group that others are not entitled to. Today, the word is mainly used in historical contexts or formal language.
Nur der Adel besaß damals das Privilegium, bestimmte Ämter zu bekleiden.
At that time, only the nobility had the privilege of holding certain offices.
charter
A written document granting or confirming a special right, especially in the Middle Ages and the early modern period.
Im Stadtarchiv wird das Privilegium des Kaisers aus dem Jahr 1350 aufbewahrt.
The emperor's charter from 1350 is kept in the city archives.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Privilegien |
| genitive | des Privilegiums |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Privilegium | die Privilegien |
| accusative | das Privilegium | die Privilegien |
| dative | dem Privilegium | den Privilegien |
| genitive | des Privilegiums | der Privilegien |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
When 'Privilegium' (privilege / charter) appears with verbs such as 'besitzen' (to possess), 'genießen' (to enjoy), or 'gewähren' (to grant), it usually refers to a special right. Words such as 'Urkunde' (official document), 'Archiv' (archive), 'ausstellen' (to issue), or a year, on the other hand, point to a written historical document.
Die Kaufleute genossen das Privilegium, ihre Waren zollfrei zu verkaufen.
The merchants enjoyed the privilege of selling their goods duty-free.
Das Privilegium von 1487 wird im Archiv sorgfältig aufbewahrt.
The charter of 1487 is carefully preserved in the archives.
Common expressions referring to a special right include 'ein Privilegium besitzen' (to possess a privilege), 'ein Privilegium genießen' (to enjoy a privilege), and 'ein Privilegium gewähren' (to grant a privilege). Here, the word usually denotes a right that only certain people or groups are entitled to.
Der Herzog gewährte der Stadt das Privilegium, einen eigenen Markt abzuhalten.
The duke granted the town the privilege of holding its own market.
When referring to a historical document, 'Privilegium' (charter) often appears with verbs such as 'ausstellen' (to issue), 'bestätigen' (to confirm), or 'aufbewahren' (to preserve). These collocations are especially common in texts about archives, rulers, and legal history.
Der König bestätigte das Privilegium des Klosters im folgenden Jahr.
The king confirmed the monastery's charter the following year.
