German word

Grundrecht

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈgʁʊntˌʁɛçt/

Meaning

  • neuter nounfundamental right

Example

Die Grundrechte schützen die Freiheit der Bürger.

Fundamental rights safeguard the freedom of citizens.

Illustration for Grundrecht (fundamental right)

More examples

Ein im Grundgesetz verankertes Grundrecht kann nur durch ein Gesetz eingeschränkt werden.

A fundamental right anchored in the Basic Law may be restricted only by a law.

Core concept

A legal safeguard marking the boundary between individual liberty and state power.

Common phrases

  • ein im Grundgesetz verankertes Grundrecht

    a fundamental right anchored in the Basic Law

  • ein Grundrecht missachten

    ignore a fundamental right

  • das Grundrecht der Rechtsgleichheit

    the fundamental right of equality before the law

Similar words

Menschenrecht: A universal basic right belonging to every person, regardless of nationality.
Bürgerrecht: A legal right guaranteed to citizens of a particular country.
Recht: A legal right that an individual can claim under the law.
Grundfreiheit: A specific freedom protected by the constitution.

Definition in German

ein grundlegendes individuelles Recht, das dem Einzelnen bestimmte Freiheiten garantiert und staatliche Eingriffe begrenzt.

Word origin

The compound Grundrecht joins Grund, from Old High German grunt, with Recht, from Old High German reht, to name a foundational legal right.

Usage tips

  • In German legal and political usage, Grundrecht is more specific than the broader English word right and normally refers to constitutionally protected rights.

Related words

  • Grundrechtsnormnorm of fundamental rightsnoun
  • grundrechtlichrelating to fundamental rightsadjective

Word lists with this word