German word

rechtmäßig

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʁɛçtˌmɛːsɪç/

Meaning

  • adjectivelawful

Example

Das Gericht bestätigte den rechtmäßigen Besitz.

The court confirmed that the possession was lawful.

Illustration for rechtmäßig (lawful)

More examples

Die Behörden prüften, ob die Maßnahmen rechtmäßig waren.

The authorities examined whether the measures were lawful.

Core concept

An official seal on an action that fits the law.

Common phrases

  • rechtmäßige Entscheidung

    lawful decision

  • rechtmäßiger Eigentümer

    lawful owner

Similar words

gesetzlich: Prescribed or established by law.
legal: Not contrary to the law.
rechtlich: Concerning legal rights, duties, or matters.
zulässig: Permitted under the relevant rules or requirements.

Definition in German

Nach geltendem Recht zulässig; rechtlich begründet.

Word origin

Rechtmäßig combines recht, meaning 'lawful' or 'right', with -mäßig, a suffix expressing conformity to a standard.

Usage tips

  • Rechtmäßig concerns legal validity, while gerecht more often concerns fairness or justice, so the two adjectives are not interchangeable.

Other meanings

  • legitimateadjective

Opposites

  • illegalillegaladjective
  • unrechtmäßigunlawfuladjective

Related words

  • Rechtmäßigkeitlawfulnessnoun
  • rechtmäßigerweiselawfullyadverb

Word lists with this word