right to self-determination
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right to self-determination
The right, established in international law, of a people to freely decide its political status, form of government, and economic, social, and cultural development.
Das Selbstbestimmungsrecht der Völker ist ein zentraler Grundsatz der Vereinten Nationen.
The right of peoples to self-determination is a central principle of the United Nations.
This word is a clear example of a German compound. It is made up of 'Selbst-' (self), 'Bestimmung' (determination), and 'Recht' (right/law). The meaning is therefore literally 'das Recht zur Selbstbestimmung' (the right to self-determination).
Jedes Individuum hat ein Recht auf persönliche Selbstbestimmung.
Every individual has a right to personal self-determination.
Pay attention to the context in order to understand the meaning. If it is about politics, states, or peoples, international law is meant. If it is about an individual person, medicine, or personal decisions, the individual right is meant.
Die Unabhängigkeitsbewegung beruft sich auf das Selbstbestimmungsrecht der Völker.
The independence movement invokes the right of peoples to self-determination.
In a political context, 'das Selbstbestimmungsrecht' (the right to self-determination) is often used with certain verbs. Typical formulations are to 'einfordern' (demand/claim) the right, to 'gewähren' (grant) it, to 'verletzen' (violate) it, or to 'anerkennen' (recognize) it.
Viele ehemalige Kolonien haben ihr Selbstbestimmungsrecht eingefordert.
Many former colonies demanded their right to self-determination.
In a personal context, the phrase 'sich auf sein Selbstbestimmungsrecht berufen' (to invoke one's right to self-determination) is often used. This means that a person actively uses this right to justify a decision.
Sie wollte die Behandlung nicht und berief sich auf ihr Selbstbestimmungsrecht.
She did not want the treatment and invoked her right to self-determination.
independence
'Unabhängigkeit' and 'Selbstbestimmungsrecht' both have to do with freedom and making one's own decisions. 'Unabhängigkeit' describes more of a state: a country, a person, or an institution is not dependent on others. 'Selbstbestimmungsrecht', by contrast, describes a right: someone or a people is allowed to decide for themselves. The words can be confused because a right to self-determination can often lead to independence. But they are not the same: the right is the possibility or claim; independence is the achieved state.
Patienten haben ein Selbstbestimmungsrecht, wenn es um ihre Behandlung geht.
Patients have a right to self-determination when it comes to their treatment.
Nach dem Studium wünscht sich Lena mehr finanzielle Unabhängigkeit.
After university, Lena wants more financial independence.