legally binding
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legally binding
The quality of a legal judgment or decision being final and no longer appealable because all possible legal remedies have been exhausted or the deadlines for them have expired.
Nach Ablauf der Berufungsfrist wurde das Urteil des Gerichts rechtskräftig.
After the appeal period expired, the court's judgment became legally binding.
The word is made up of 'Recht' (law/right) and 'kräftig' (strong/powerful). It therefore describes something that has legal 'force' and is thus finally valid.
Das Urteil ist nun rechtskräftig und kann nicht mehr angefochten werden.
The judgment is now legally binding and can no longer be appealed.
This adjective is a technical term from legal language. It is used almost exclusively in connection with courts, laws, and official decisions.
Die Scheidung ist erst nach der festgelegten Frist rechtskräftig.
The divorce becomes legally binding only after the specified period.
Most often, the word is combined with the verb 'werden' (to become) to describe the moment from which a decision is valid. Typical nouns are 'Urteil' (judgment), 'Beschluss' (decision/resolution), or 'Scheidung' (divorce).
Der Beschluss wird erst in zwei Wochen rechtskräftig.
The decision will not become legally binding for another two weeks.
final
'endgültig' and 'rechtskräftig' both describe that something is not meant to or cannot be changed anymore. 'endgültig' is general and fits many decisions, plans, or situations. 'rechtskräftig' is used only in the legal field, for example for a judgment or decision. It means that it can no longer be challenged legally, or that the deadline for doing so has passed. If no court or law is involved, 'endgültig' sounds more natural.
Das Urteil ist seit letzter Woche rechtskräftig.
The judgment has been legally binding since last week.
Nach dem Gespräch hat Timo seine Entscheidung endgültig getroffen.
After the conversation, Timo made his final decision.