berechtigt

Definition & meaning

The German word berechtigt primarily has two meanings depending on the context in which it is used:

1. Authorized or Entitled: In a legal or formal context, it describes a person or entity that has the right or the official permission to do something. For example, if you are "zugangsberechtigt", you have the right to enter a specific area.
2. Justified or Legitimate: It is used to describe an action, a feeling, or a claim that is based on sound reasons or facts. For instance, a "berechtigte Sorge" is a concern that is well-founded and reasonable.

Grammar & Word origin

The word is an adjective, though it is derived from the past participle of the verb berechtigen↗, which means "to entitle" or "to authorize."

It is composed of several parts:

• be-: A prefix often used in German to indicate that an action is directed toward an object or to provide someone with something.
• Recht: The noun meaning "right" or "law."
• -ig: A suffix used to form adjectives.
• -t: The typical ending for a past participle used as an adjective.

In a sentence, it can be used predicatively (Das ist berechtigt) or attributively (Der berechtigte Einwand).

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms (Authorized/Entitled):

• befugt↗: Having the official authority.
• autorisiert↗: Authorized by a higher power or document.
• legitimiert↗: Legitimized or proven to have the right.

Synonyms (Justified/Valid):

• gerechtfertigt↗: Justified by circumstances.
• begründet↗: Well-founded or based on arguments.
• legitim↗: Legitimate or lawful.

Antonyms:

• unberechtigt↗: Unjustified or unauthorized.
• unbefugt↗: Without permission or authority.
• unbegründet↗: Groundless or without foundation.
• haltlos↗: Completely without merit or truth.