inviolable / untouchable
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inviolable
Something that must not be violated, impaired, or called into question. Often used in connection with rights, dignity, or principles.
Die Würde des Menschen ist laut Grundgesetz unantastbar.
According to the Basic Law, human dignity is inviolable.
untouchable
In a figurative sense, a person who, because of their power, status, or reputation, seems to be protected from criticism, attacks, or consequences.
Nachdem er die Meisterschaft gewonnen hatte, galt der Trainer in der Öffentlichkeit als unantastbar.
After he won the championship, the coach was considered untouchable by the public.
The word is clearly structured: 'un-' (not) + 'antasten' (to touch, to violate) + '-bar' (possibility). Literally, it means that something cannot be violated or called into question.
Seine Entscheidung in dieser Sache war für alle unantastbar.
His decision in this matter was untouchable for everyone.
This meaning is often connected with abstract, high values. Typical combinations are 'unantastbare Würde' (inviolable dignity), 'unantastbare Rechte' (inviolable rights), or 'unantastbare Prinzipien' (inviolable principles).
Die Pressefreiheit ist ein unantastbares Gut in einer Demokratie.
Freedom of the press is an inviolable good in a democracy.
The sentence 'Die Würde des Menschen ist unantastbar' (Human dignity is inviolable) is the first article of the German Basic Law. For this reason, the word has a very strong legal and philosophical meaning in Germany.
Dieser Grundsatz ist die Basis vieler Gesetze.
This principle is the basis of many laws.
You can recognize this figurative meaning by the fact that it refers to a person and their social status. It is not about a right, but about someone seeming to be protected from criticism because of power or success.
Nach dem großen Erfolg schien der Firmengründer für eine Weile unantastbar.
After the great success, the company founder seemed untouchable for a while.
holy / sacred
Heilig and unantastbar can both describe a rule or principle as especially protected. Heilig emphasizes its special, often value-laden significance, while unantastbar highlights that no one may question or change it. Use heilig for the attitude toward it and unantastbar for the explicit prohibition against interfering with it.
Die Würde jedes Menschen muss auch in schwierigen Situationen unantastbar bleiben.
The dignity of every person must remain inviolable even in difficult situations.
Für unsere Familie ist dieser Feiertag heilig, deshalb ändern wir an diesem Brauch nichts.
This holiday is sacred to our family, so we don’t change any part of this tradition.
