01
zulässig
permissible
Allowed or permitted by a law, rule, or regulation.
example
Die zulässige Höchstgeschwindigkeit auf dieser Autobahn beträgt 120 km/h.
The permissible maximum speed on this highway is 120 km/h.
zulässig
permissible
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Word family
'Zulässig' (permissible) is derived directly from the separable verb 'zulassen' (to allow), which means 'erlauben' (to allow/permit). If you know the verb, you can easily derive the meaning of 'zulässig' as 'erlaubt' (allowed).
EXAMPLE
Der Lehrer hat ausnahmsweise zugelassen, dass wir die Wörterbücher benutzen.
As an exception, the teacher allowed us to use the dictionaries.
Register and style
This word is often used in formal, legal, or technical contexts. It belongs to administrative language and sounds more official than the word 'erlaubt' (allowed).
EXAMPLE
Laut den Statuten des Vereins ist dieser Antrag nicht zulässig.
According to the association's statutes, this motion is not permissible.
Typical collocations
In official language, 'zulässig' (permissible) is often combined with nouns that describe limits or standards. Typical examples are 'zulässige Höchstgeschwindigkeit' (permissible maximum speed), 'zulässiges Gesamtgewicht' (permissible gross weight), or 'zulässige Abweichung' (permissible deviation).
EXAMPLE
Das zulässige Gesamtgewicht des Fahrzeugs darf nicht überschritten werden.
The permissible gross weight of the vehicle must not be exceeded.
Compare with
zulässig vs rechtlich
legal
'rechtlich' and 'zulässig' can both express that something is allowed. However, 'rechtlich' always refers to law and laws or to legal questions. 'zulässig' means more generally that something is allowed or accepted according to a rule, regulation, or even within an argument. That is why something can be 'zulässig' in an exam, in a game, or in a discussion without it being directly about laws. The confusion arises because both words occur in contexts involving rules. If you mean the area of law, 'rechtlich' fits. If you want to say that something is allowed according to a specific rule, 'zulässig' often fits.
zulässig
Im Test ist ein Wörterbuch nicht zulässig.
A dictionary is not allowed in the test.
rechtlich
Bei der Kündigung gibt es einige rechtliche Fragen.
There are several legal questions involved in the dismissal.
In real life
Loading video examples...