justification
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justification
A reason or explanation that makes an action, decision, or opinion seem right, reasonable, or necessary.
Für sein unhöfliches Verhalten gab es keinerlei Rechtfertigung.
There was absolutely no justification for his rude behavior.
The word is made up of 'Recht' (right/law) and 'fertigen' (to make/produce). 'Etwas recht fertigen' means to present something as right or just. A 'Rechtfertigung' (justification) is therefore the attempt to prove an action as legitimate.
Er suchte nach einer Rechtfertigung für seine Verspätung.
He looked for a justification for his lateness.
'Die Rechtfertigung' (justification) is the noun corresponding to the verb 'sich rechtfertigen' (to justify oneself). When a person justifies themselves, they give a justification for their actions.
Er musste sich vor seinem Chef für den Fehler rechtfertigen.
He had to justify himself to his boss for the mistake.
When naming the reason or matter for which a justification applies, German uses the preposition 'für' followed by the accusative.
Es gibt keine Rechtfertigung für ein solches Verhalten.
There is no justification for such behavior.
You can recognize the theological meaning from a religious context. Words like 'Gott' (God), 'Glaube' (faith), 'Sünde' (sin), or 'Gnade' (grace) make it clear that this is not about an everyday excuse.
In der Vorlesung ging es um die Rechtfertigungslehre bei Martin Luther.
The lecture was about Martin Luther's doctrine of justification.
explanation / statement
'die Erklärung' and 'die Rechtfertigung' can both give a reason for an action or decision. An 'Erklärung' mainly says why something happened. It can be completely neutral. A 'Rechtfertigung' goes further: it is meant to show that something was right, reasonable, or necessary. Learners may confuse the words because both provide reasons. Remember: an 'Erklärung' makes something understandable; a 'Rechtfertigung' defends an action.
Für die hohen Kosten fand meine Freundin keine gute Rechtfertigung.
My friend could not find a good justification for the high costs.
Julian gibt dem Sachbearbeiter eine Erklärung für den fehlenden Antrag.
Julian gives the clerk an explanation for the missing application.