unlawful
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unlawful
Describes an action that violates applicable law or a legal norm and is therefore illegal or unlawful.
Das widerrechtliche Parken auf dem Behindertenparkplatz wird mit einem hohen Bußgeld geahndet.
Unlawful parking in the disabled parking space is punished with a high fine.
The word is made up of the prefix 'wider' (against), the noun 'das Recht' (the law / right), and the adjective ending '-lich' (-ly / -ful). So it literally means 'against the law'.
Es ist widerrechtlich, urheberrechtlich geschützte Inhalte ohne Erlaubnis zu verbreiten.
It is unlawful to distribute copyrighted content without permission.
'Widerrechtlich' (unlawful) is a formal word used mainly in legal and official language. It is more precise and more formal than 'verboten' (forbidden) or 'illegal' (illegal).
Die Firma wurde verklagt, weil sie sich Firmeneigentum widerrechtlich angeeignet hatte.
The company was sued because it had unlawfully appropriated company property.
The word can be used as an adjective before a noun or as an adverb to describe a verb. The form does not change, except when it is declined as an adjective.
Das Betreten des Grundstücks war eine widerrechtliche Handlung.
Entering the property was an unlawful act.
illegal
'illegal' and 'widerrechtlich' both mean that something violates applicable law. 'illegal' is very common in everyday language and easy to understand. 'widerrechtlich' sounds more formal and is often used in legal or official texts. In terms of meaning, they are very similar here, but the style is different: 'illegal' fits well in normal conversations, while 'widerrechtlich' is more likely to appear in reports, written correspondence, or legal contexts.
Die Firma hat die Daten der Kunden widerrechtlich gespeichert.
The company unlawfully stored the customers' data.
Ist es illegal, fremde Fotos ohne Erlaubnis zu veröffentlichen?
Is it illegal to publish other people's photos without permission?