die  Bewilligung

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/bəˈvɪlɪɡʊŋ/

📜 What exactly is a Bewilligung?

Die Bewilligung is a noun generally meaning the granting of permission, consent, or approval. It's frequently used in official or formal contexts.

There are two main meanings:

1. Official approval/permit: The formal consent from an authority or institution for an application or project (e.g., Baugenehmigung - building permit, Fördermittelbewilligung - approval of funding).

   Example: For the extension, he needed a Bewilligung from the building authority.

2. Financial grant/allocation: The commitment and provision of funds, often within the scope of funding programs or budgets.

   Example: The research group received the Bewilligung for new project funds.

⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse it with Bewältigung (coping with a task)!

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: die Bewilligung

The word "Bewilligung" is a feminine noun. Therefore, the article is always die. Like many feminine nouns ending in -ung, it often remains unchanged in the singular cases, but the plural is formed with -en.

💡 Examples for Grammar

• Die Bewilligung des Antrags dauerte länger als erwartet. (The approval of the application took longer than expected. - Nominative Singular)
• Trotz der Bewilligung gab es noch Verzögerungen. (Despite the approval, there were still delays. - Genitive Singular)
• Mit dieser Bewilligung können wir endlich starten. (With this approval, we can finally start. - Dative Singular)
• Er reichte die Bewilligung beim Amt ein. (He submitted the approval to the office. - Accusative Singular)
• Alle notwendigen Bewilligungen liegen nun vor. (All necessary approvals are now available. - Nominative Plural)

💬 How to use "Bewilligung"?

"Bewilligung" is mostly used in formal, official, or bureaucratic contexts. It signals formal consent or the allocation of resources following an application process.

• Antragstellung (Application process): One applies auf (for) a Bewilligung (e.g., of a loan, vacation time, funding).
• Behörden & Institutionen (Authorities & Institutions): Authorities, offices, foundations, or companies erteilen (grant) a Bewilligung. The result is often a Bewilligungsbescheid (notice of approval).
• Finanzen & Budget (Finance & Budget): In budgeting, one speaks of the Bewilligung of funds or budgets.

Distinction from similar words:

• Genehmigung (Approval/Permit): Very similar, often used synonymously. Genehmigung might be slightly more general than the often more specific Bewilligung (e.g., Baugenehmigung - building permit vs. Bewilligung von Mitteln - allocation of funds).
• Erlaubnis (Permission): Sounds less formal and bureaucratic than Bewilligung. You can ask for Erlaubnis to do something (e.g., go home early).
• Zustimmung (Consent/Agreement): Expresses general agreement, not necessarily after a formal application.

🧠 Mnemonics for Bewilligung

Article Mnemonic: Feminine nouns in German often end in -ung (like die Zeitung - newspaper, die Meinung - opinion, die Hoffnung - hope) – and so does die Bewilligung!

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine you really will something (du willst). You have to apply for it and hope someone is willing to grant it. You need the Be-will-igung (approval)! Or think: Be willing to wait for the official Bewilligung.

↔️ Antonyms and Synonyms

⚠️ Similar-sounding words:

• Bewältigung: Coping with or overcoming difficulties or tasks. Nothing to do with permission!

😄 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der Beamte den Antragsteller: "Haben Sie die Bewilligung für den Antrag auf Bewilligung einer Antragsbewilligung?"

English: The official asks the applicant: "Do you have the approval for the application for the approval of an application approval?"

✍️ Poem about Bewilligung

German:
Der Antrag lag auf dem Tisch so schwer,
man hoffte und bangte sehr.
Dann kam der Brief, man glaubt es kaum,
erfüllt ward der behördliche Traum.
Mit Stempel drauf, ganz offiziell,
die Bewilligung, nun ging es schnell!

English:
The application lay heavy on the desk,
one hoped and feared, put to the test.
Then came the letter, hard to believe,
the bureaucratic dream achieved.
With stamp upon it, official might,
the Bewilligung, now speed and light!

❓ Little Riddle

German:
Ich bin ein Ja auf dein Begehr,
vom Amt oft, das ist nicht schwer.
Ob Geld, ob Bau, ob freie Zeit,
ich mache den Weg dafür bereit.
Mit -ung am End', feminin im Stand,
wie heiß ich, wohlbekannt im Land?

English:
I am a 'yes' to your request,
Often from an office, put to the test.
For money, building, or time off sought,
I clear the path, as I ought.
With an '-ung' ending, feminine I stand,
What am I called, known throughout the land?

Solution: die Bewilligung

🧩 Further Information

Word Composition:

The word "Bewilligung" is derived from the verb "bewilligen" (to approve, to grant). The verb itself comes from "willigen", meaning "to consent" or "to agree". The prefix "be-" often makes the verb transitive (to approve something). The suffix "-ung" turns the verb into a noun (nominalization).

Structure: be + willig(en) + ung

Related Terms:

• bewilligen (verb): to grant, approve, authorize, allocate
• Bewilligungsbescheid (noun): The official document confirming the approval/grant.
• bewilligungsfähig (adjective): Describes an application or project that meets the criteria for approval/granting.