German word

rechtswidrig

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʁɛçtsˌviːdʁɪç/

Meaning

  • adjectiveillegal

Example

Solche rechtswidrige Handlungen sind verboten.

Such illegal acts are prohibited.

Illustration for rechtswidrig (illegal)

More examples

Die Firma musste wegen rechtswidriger Praktiken eine Strafe zahlen.

The company had to pay a fine for illegal practices.

Core concept

A legal boundary with an action placed beyond the permitted side.

Common phrases

  • rechtswidrige Handlung

    illegal act

  • rechtswidriges Verhalten

    illegal behavior

Similar words

illegal: Not allowed under the law.
strafbar: Punishable under applicable law.
gesetzwidrig: Failing to follow the requirements of a statute.
unrechtmäßig: Unjustified or procedurally invalid under the law.

Definition in German

Gegen geltende Gesetze oder rechtliche Vorschriften verstoßend; unrechtmäßig.

Word origin

Rechtswidrig combines Recht, meaning law or legal right, with widrig, meaning opposed or contrary to something.

Usage tips

  • As an attributive adjective, rechtswidrig takes an ending, as in rechtswidrige Handlungen, but it stays unchanged after sein: Die Handlung ist rechtswidrig.

Opposites

Related words

  • Rechtswidrigkeitillegalitynoun

Word lists with this word