inadmissible
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inadmissible
Not allowed or permitted because it violates a law, rule, or regulation.
Das Gericht erklärte die Beweise für unzulässig, da sie illegal beschafft wurden.
The court declared the evidence inadmissible because it had been obtained illegally.
The word is made up of two parts: the prefix 'un-' and the adjective 'zulässig' (permissible/admissible). The prefix 'un-' means 'not', so 'unzulässig' (inadmissible) is the direct opposite of 'zulässig' (permissible/admissible).
Eine solche Frage ist in einem Vorstellungsgespräch unzulässig.
Such a question is inadmissible in a job interview.
'Unzulässig' (inadmissible) is a formal word that is often found in legal, administrative, or official contexts. It describes a violation of clear rules or laws.
Der Richter erklärte die Forderung für unzulässig.
The judge declared the claim inadmissible.
Common combinations are 'eine unzulässige Frage' (an inadmissible question), 'ein unzulässiger Eingriff' (an inadmissible interference/intrusion), or the legal phrase 'etwas für unzulässig erklären' (to declare something inadmissible).
Ein unzulässiger Eingriff in die Privatsphäre kann rechtliche Folgen haben.
An inadmissible intrusion into privacy can have legal consequences.
illegal
'illegal' and 'unzulässig' both describe something that is not allowed. 'illegal' refers especially to laws and often sounds stronger. 'unzulässig' is often used with rules, regulations, procedures, or official decisions. Learners may confuse the words because both express a prohibition. In practical terms: for clear violations of the law, 'illegal' fits; for questions of rules or procedures, 'unzulässig' often fits.
In der Prüfung ist es unzulässig, das Handy zu benutzen.
In the exam, using a phone is not allowed.
Im Krankenhaus ist der Verkauf solcher Medikamente ohne Erlaubnis illegal.
In the hospital, selling such medications without permission is illegal.