German word

Recht

Pronunciation

IPA/ʁɛçt/

Meaning

  • neuter nounright

Example

Er verteidigt seine Rechte.

He defends his rights.

Illustration for Recht (right)

More examples

Sie nahm ihr Recht wahr.

She exercised her right.

Core concept

An organized set of binding rules marks what people may claim, do, or require from others.

Common phrases

  • das Recht auf Meinungsäußerung

    the right to express one's opinion

  • ein Recht wahrnehmen

    exercise one's right

  • seine Rechte kennen

    know one's rights

Similar words

Gesetz: A formally established rule that sets standards for society.
Anspruch: A valid claim to obtain something or have someone do something.
Berechtigung: Formal permission or qualification to perform an act or exercise a right.

Definition in German

Recht ist ein durch Gesetze oder allgemein anerkannte Regeln geschützter Anspruch oder eine Befugnis einer Person.

Word origin

German Recht comes through Old High German reht from Proto-Germanic *rehtaz, a word for what is right or just that acquired legal meanings.

Usage tips

  • Recht may refer to the legal order or to an individual right, whereas Gesetz more specifically refers to an enacted statute.

Other meanings

  • lawnoun
  • authoritynoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word