legally binding
Loading your saved state.
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
Both words can express that a decision is final. „Final“ describes finality in general, while „rechtskräftig“ specifically means that a judgment or decision is final and can no longer be appealed. Use „final“ in general contexts and „rechtskräftig“ when this legal status is meant.
Das Urteil ist rechtskräftig, weil die Einspruchsfrist abgelaufen ist.
The judgment is legally binding because the appeal period has expired.
Die Entscheidung ist final, obwohl die Einspruchsfrist noch läuft.
The decision is final, even though the appeal period is still running.
