unrechtmäßig
unlawful
Violating the law, a regulation, or a right; not legal or legitimate.
EXAMPLE
Die unrechtmäßige Kündigung wurde vor Gericht angefochten.
The unlawful dismissal was challenged in court.
unrechtmäßig
unlawful
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is clearly structured: the prefix 'un-' negates the word 'rechtmäßig' (lawful). 'Rechtmäßig' itself means 'in accordance with the law,' so fitting the law. 'Unrechtmäßig' (unlawful) therefore literally means 'not in accordance with the law.'
EXAMPLE
Er hat sich das Geld auf unrechtmäßige Weise beschafft.
He obtained the money in an unlawful way.
Register and style
'Unrechtmäßig' (unlawful) is a formal word used mainly in written language, in legal or administrative contexts. It sounds very official.
EXAMPLE
Das Gericht erklärte die Gebührenerhöhung für unrechtmäßig.
The court declared the fee increase unlawful.
Typical collocations
This adjective is often combined with nouns from the legal or economic sphere. Typical phrases are 'unrechtmäßiger Besitz' (unlawful possession), 'unrechtmäßige Bereicherung' (unjust enrichment), or 'unrechtmäßige Nutzung' (unlawful use).
EXAMPLE
Der unrechtmäßige Besitzer des Grundstücks musste es zurückgeben.
The unlawful owner of the property had to return it.
Compare with
unrechtmäßig vs illegal
illegal
Illegal and unrechtmäßig can both refer to a violation of the law. Illegal is the general term for actions prohibited by law; unrechtmäßig can especially emphasize that a measure lacks a legal basis or authorization.
unrechtmäßig
Die Behörde sperrte sein Konto ohne rechtliche Grundlage und damit unrechtmäßig.
The authority blocked his account without a legal basis, making it unlawful.
illegal
Der Verkauf der gefälschten Ausweise war illegal.
The sale of the counterfeit IDs was illegal.
In real life
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