German word

Menschenrecht

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈmɛnʃn̩ˌʁɛçt/

Meaning

  • neuter nounhuman right

Example

Die Menschenrechte sind wichtig.

Human rights are important.

Illustration for Menschenrecht (human right)

More examples

Opfer berichten von Verstößen gegen das Menschenrecht.

Victims report human rights violations.

Core concept

A shared foundation of basic protections that every individual can claim regardless of status or group.

Common phrases

  • Verstöße gegen das Menschenrecht

    human rights violations

  • gegen das Menschenrecht verstoßen

    act against human rights

  • sich für das Menschenrecht einsetzen

    work for human rights

Similar words

Grundrecht: A fundamental individual right protected by a country's constitution.
Bürgerrecht: A political or legal right granted to citizens of a country or community.
Recht: A legally recognized entitlement to demand an action or claim a benefit.
Freiheit: Freedom to choose actions and beliefs without outside interference.

Definition in German

Ein Recht, das als Grundlage für gleiche Behandlung und Freiheit aller Menschen gilt.

Word origin

The German compound joins Mensch with Recht, forming a term for a right that belongs to people simply because they are human.

Usage tips

  • In legal and political contexts, Menschenrechte usually appears in the plural with verbs such as achten, schützen, and verletzen.

Opposites

  • Rechtslosigkeitlack of legal protectionnoun

Related words

  • Menschenrechtsbildungeducation in human rightsnoun
  • menschenrechtswidrigin violation of human rightsadjective

Word lists with this word