rechtlich
legal
Relating to the law or laws; juridical.
EXAMPLE
Bevor wir den Vertrag unterschreiben, sollten wir ihn rechtlich prüfen lassen.
Before we sign the contract, we should have it legally reviewed.
rechtlich
legal
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Meanings
rechtlich
legal
In accordance with the law; permitted or required by law.
EXAMPLE
Sein Vorgehen war zwar moralisch fragwürdig, aber rechtlich nicht zu beanstanden.
His actions were morally questionable, but legally unobjectionable.
Usage tips
Word structure
The adjective 'rechtlich' (legal) is derived from the noun 'das Recht' (the law). The ending '-lich' turns the noun into an adjective and here means 'relating to the law'.
EXAMPLE
Eine rechtliche Prüfung des Vertrags ist sehr zu empfehlen.
A legal review of the contract is highly recommended.
Typical collocations
'Rechtlich' (legal) is often used in fixed combinations, for example 'rechtliche Schritte einleiten' (to take legal action), 'rechtliche Konsequenzen haben' (to have legal consequences), or 'eine rechtliche Grundlage schaffen' (to create a legal basis).
EXAMPLE
Wer ohne Erlaubnis baut, muss mit rechtlichen Konsequenzen rechnen.
Anyone who builds without permission must expect legal consequences.
Use as an adverb
As an adverb, 'rechtlich' (legally) often appears at the beginning of a sentence or after the verb and evaluates a situation from a legal point of view. A typical phrase is 'rechtlich gesehen' (legally speaking).
EXAMPLE
Rechtlich gesehen ist der Vertrag gültig.
Legally speaking, the contract is valid.
Compare with
rechtlich vs gesetzlich
legal / statutory
Rechtlich generally refers to the law and can express that something is permitted or required. Gesetzlich identifies a specific law as the basis. If an obligation fits the overall legal situation, rechtlich is appropriate; if it is stated directly in a law, gesetzlich is more precise.
rechtlich
Der Vermieter ist rechtlich verpflichtet, den Mangel zu beheben.
The landlord is legally required to fix the defect.
gesetzlich
Der Vermieter ist nach diesem Gesetz verpflichtet, den Mangel zu beheben.
Under this law, the landlord is required to fix the defect.
In real life
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