German word

berechtigen

Pronunciation

IPA/bəˈʁɛçtɪgn̩/

Meaning

  • verbentitle

Example

Die Mitgliedskarte berechtigt dich zu Ermäßigungen.

The membership card entitles you to discounts.

Illustration for berechtigen (entitle)

More examples

Die Bescheinigung berechtigt zur Einreise ohne Visum.

The certificate entitles the holder to enter without a visa.

Core concept

A formal key such as a card, ruling, or document opens a permitted door for a specific person.

Common phrases

  • zur Nutzung bestimmter Dienste berechtigen

    entitle ___ to use certain services

  • jemanden berechtigen, eine Entscheidung zu treffen

    entitle someone to make a decision

Similar words

erlauben: To give permission for a particular action.
ermächtigen: To grant someone official authority to act or make a decision.
autorisieren: To give formal approval for an operation or service use.
bevollmächtigen: To grant someone authority to act officially on another person's behalf.

Definition in German

jemandem rechtliche oder formelle Befugnis geben, besonders durch eine Entscheidung oder ein Dokument

Word origin

Berechtigen is formed from Recht ('right') with the prefix be- and the verb-forming suffix -igen, linking its form to the granting of a right.

Usage tips

  • The usual pattern is jemanden zu etwas berechtigen, with the person in the accusative and the authorized action introduced by zu.

Other meanings

  • qualifyverb
  • authorizeverb

Opposites

Related words

  • Berechtigungauthorizationnoun
  • Berechtigungsnachweisproof of entitlementnoun
  • Berechtigterrights holdernoun

Word lists with this word