German word

gesetzlich

Pronunciation

IPA/gəˈzɛtslɪç/

Meaning

  • adjectivelegal

Example

Die gesetzliche Regel gilt für alle.

The legal rule applies to everyone.

Illustration for gesetzlich (legal)

More examples

An den gesetzlichen Feiertagen sind viele Geschäfte geschlossen.

On statutory holidays, many shops are closed.

Core concept

A law-based requirement that sets the permitted boundaries for conduct or institutions.

Common phrases

  • gesetzliche Feiertage

    statutory holidays

  • gesetzliche Krankenversicherung

    statutory health insurance

Similar words

erlaubt: Allowed under a rule or official authorization.
legal: Compliant with the law rather than unlawful.
rechtlich: Connected with legal matters or procedures.

Definition in German

Auf Gesetzen beruhend und rechtlich verbindlich.

Word origin

The adjective gesetzlich derives from Gesetz, "law," and the suffix -lich, while Gesetz goes back through Middle High German gesetze to an idea of something laid down.

Usage tips

  • Gesetzlich is narrower than rechtlich because it points specifically to a statute or legal provision, while rechtlich covers law-related matters more broadly.

Other meanings

  • statutoryadjective

Opposites

Word lists with this word