German word

rechtfertigen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʁɛçtˌfɛɐ̯tɪgn̩/

Meaning

  • verbjustify

Example

Er rechtfertigt solche Maßnahmen nicht.

He doesn't justify such measures.

Illustration for rechtfertigen (justify)

More examples

Sie versucht, ihre Entscheidung zu rechtfertigen.

She tries to justify her decision.

Core concept

Reasons place an action or decision on solid ground, whether defending it to others or making it seem acceptable.

Common phrases

  • etwas rechtfertigen

    justify something

  • sein Verhalten rechtfertigen

    justify one's behavior

  • sich vor anderen rechtfertigen

    justify oneself before others

Similar words

erklären: To make the meaning or cause of an event or idea clear in words.
begründen: To give reasons or evidence that support an idea, action, or decision.
entschuldigen: To apologize for a mistake or inconvenience and seek forgiveness.
verteidigen: To use words to protect someone or something from criticism or blame.

Definition in German

Durch Gründe zeigen, dass eine Handlung, Meinung oder Entscheidung berechtigt oder akzeptabel ist.

Word origin

Rechtfertigen comes from Middle High German rehtvertigen, a translation of Latin iustificare, with recht meaning 'right' and fertigen meaning 'make or render'.

Usage tips

  • The reflexive form sich rechtfertigen often means defending or excusing oneself, while rechtfertigen can also take an object such as eine Entscheidung.

Other meanings

  • defendverb

Opposites

Related words

  • Rechtfertigungjustificationnoun
  • rechtfertigbarjustifiableadjective

Word lists with this word