German word

unerlaubt

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʊnɛɐ̯ˌlaʊ̯pt/

Meaning

  • adjectiveunauthorized

Example

Das unerlaubte Fotografieren im Museum ist nicht erlaubt.

The unauthorized taking of photographs in the museum is not allowed.

Illustration for unerlaubt (unauthorized)

More examples

Die unerlaubte Veröffentlichung privater Fotos kann rechtliche Folgen haben.

The unauthorized publication of private photos can have legal consequences.

Core concept

An action remains outside a permitted area because the required approval has not been granted.

Common phrases

  • unerlaubte Einreise

    unauthorized entry

  • unerlaubter Zugriff

    unauthorized access

  • unerlaubte Veröffentlichung

    unauthorized publication

Similar words

verboten: Clearly disallowed by a rule or regulation.
illegal: Against the law and subject to legal penalties.
unzulässig: Not accepted under the applicable rules or procedure.
unbefugt: Done without the authority or permission to do it.

Definition in German

Nicht erlaubt: ohne vorherige Erlaubnis oder ausdrückliche Zustimmung.

Word origin

The adjective combines German un- meaning 'not' with erlaubt, the past participle of erlauben meaning 'to permit'.

Usage tips

  • Unerlaubt can describe a breach of a local rule or permission and does not by itself mean illegal under criminal or civil law.

Other meanings

  • prohibitedadjective

Opposites

  • erlaubtauthorizedadjective

Related words

  • Unerlaubtheitunauthorizednessnoun
  • unerlaubterweisewithout authorizationadverb

Word lists with this word