rechtmäßig
lawful
In accordance with the law in force and legally permitted.
EXAMPLE
Das Gericht bestätigte, dass die Kündigung rechtmäßig war.
The court confirmed that the termination was lawful.
rechtmäßig
lawful / legitimate
rechtmäßig – rechtmäßiger – am rechtmäßigsten
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
rechtmäßig
legitimate
Based on an existing claim or a justified right; rightfully belonging to someone.
EXAMPLE
Die rechtmäßige Eigentümerin verlangte das Gemälde zurück.
The legitimate owner demanded that the painting be returned.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry rechtmäßig, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
Comparison
| basic form | rechtmäßig |
|---|---|
| comparative | rechtmäßiger |
| superlative | am rechtmäßigsten |
After der, die, das
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -e | -e | -e | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -e | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to rechtmäßig.
After ein, eine
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to rechtmäßig.
Without article
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -e |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -e |
| dat. | -em | -er | -em | -en |
| gen. | -en | -er | -en | -er |
Add the ending to rechtmäßig.
Usage tips
Word formation
'Rechtmäßig' combines 'Recht' (law / right) with '-mäßig'. Here, the ending indicates that something complies with or is guided by the law.
EXAMPLE
Die Behörde prüft, ob die Maßnahme rechtmäßig ist.
The authority is checking whether the measure is lawful.
Context clue
When 'rechtmäßig' refers to an action, decision, or measure, it usually concerns whether it complies with the law. When it refers to people, property, or claims, the word often describes someone as rightfully entitled to something.
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei musste erklären, warum die Kontrolle rechtmäßig war.
The police had to explain why the inspection was lawful.
Er konnte beweisen, dass er der rechtmäßige Eigentümer des Grundstücks ist.
He was able to prove that he was the legitimate owner of the property.
Legal style
'Rechtmäßig' occurs especially often in legal, administrative, and formal texts.
EXAMPLE
Das Urteil stellt fest, dass die Entscheidung rechtmäßig getroffen wurde.
The judgment states that the decision was made lawfully.
Typical collocations
In the sense of 'in accordance with the law', 'rechtmäßig' frequently occurs with 'Kündigung' (termination), 'Entscheidung' (decision), 'Maßnahme' (measure), or 'Durchsuchung' (search).
EXAMPLE
War die Durchsuchung der Wohnung rechtmäßig?
Was the search of the apartment lawful?
Claims and ownership
In the sense of a justified right, 'rechtmäßig' often occurs with 'Eigentümer' (owner), 'Anspruch' (claim), or 'Besitz' (possession).
EXAMPLE
Sie hat einen rechtmäßigen Anspruch auf das Erbe.
She has a legitimate claim to the inheritance.
In real life
Loading video examples...