01
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
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
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 rechts
right
'von Rechts wegen' (by right) and 'unrechtmäßig' are opposites when it comes to law and legal rights. 'von Rechts wegen' means that something is based on a right or is lawful. 'unrechtmäßig', on the other hand, means that something violates a law, a regulation, or a right. If you want to say that something is permitted or justified, 'von Rechts wegen' fits. If something is not legal or not legitimate, 'unrechtmäßig' fits.
unrechtmäßig
Die Firma hat die Daten unrechtmäßig gespeichert.
The company stored the data unlawfully.
rechts
Von Rechts wegen steht ihr eine Entschädigung zu.
By right, she is entitled to compensation.
In real life
Loading video examples...