die  Lizenz

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/lɪˈtsɛnts/

📜 What exactly is a Lizenz?

Die Lizenz (noun, feminine) refers to an official or contractual permission (Erlaubnis) to do, use, or possess something specific. It's a formal authorization or permit.

There is only one grammatical form: die Lizenz. The word is always feminine.

Examples of Lizenzen:

• Fahrerlaubnis/Führerschein: The *license* to drive a vehicle.
• Softwarelizenz: The *permission* to use specific software.
• Sendelizenz: The *authorization* for a radio or television station to broadcast programs.
• Gewerbelizenz: The *permit* to operate a certain trade or business.
• Urheberrechtslizenz: The *permission* to use copyrighted work (e.g., music, images).

🚨 Attention: Don't confuse 'Lizenz' with 'Konzession', although they are similar. A *Konzession* is often granted by a state authority for a specific economic activity (e.g., restaurant concession), while a *Lizenz* can be broader.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Die Lizenz

The noun "Lizenz" is feminine. Therefore, the correct article is always "die".

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

💡 Example Sentences

1. Für diese Software benötigt man eine gültige Lizenz.
   (One needs a valid license for this software.)
2. Der Entzug der Lizenz war ein harter Schlag für das Unternehmen.
   (The revocation of the license was a hard blow for the company.)
3. Mit dieser Lizenz dürfen Sie das Bild kommerziell nutzen.
   (With this license, you are allowed to use the image commercially.)
4. Die Lizenzen für die neuen Produkte wurden bereits erteilt.
   (The licenses for the new products have already been granted.)

🔧 How to use "Lizenz"?

"Lizenz" is frequently used in formal, legal, and business contexts. Here are typical use cases:

• Eine Lizenz erwerben/kaufen: To acquire/buy a license (paying for the right to use something, e.g., software, music).
• Eine Lizenz erteilen/vergeben: To grant/issue a license (someone, often the rights holder or an authority, gives permission).
• Eine Lizenz beantragen: To apply for a license (submitting an application to obtain permission).
• Eine Lizenz entziehen: To revoke a license (the permission is taken away, often due to a violation).
• Eine Lizenz verlängern: To renew/extend a license (extending the validity period of the permission).
• Unter Lizenz stehen: To be under license (something is regulated by a license, e.g., a product manufactured under license).

Context: The word conveys a sense of formality and obligation. It implies that there are rules and conditions associated with the permission.

Comparison:

• Erlaubnis: More general and less formal than *Lizenz*. Example: Ich habe die Erlaubnis meiner Eltern (I have my parents' permission).
• Genehmigung: Similar to *Lizenz*, often in an official context (*Baugenehmigung* - building permit), but *Lizenz* often emphasizes the right to use intellectual property or perform specific activities.
• Berechtigung: Refers more to the right or qualification to do something, not necessarily a formal document. Example: Er hat die Berechtigung, das System zu administrieren (He is authorized to administer the system).

🧠 Mnemonics for "die Lizenz"

For the article 'die': Many German nouns ending in -enz are feminine (like *die Intelligenz*, *die Präsenz*, *die Konferenz*). Think: She needs her license - the 'e' sounds hint at 'die'.

For the meaning: "Lizenz" sounds very much like the English word "license". Both mean *permission*. Imagine you need special permission to enter a peaceful *Zen* garden – you need a *Li-Zenz*.

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but different words:

• Die Lizenzierung: Licensing (the process of granting or obtaining licenses).
• Der Lizenznehmer: Licensee (the person or company receiving a license).
• Der Lizenzgeber: Licensor (the person or company granting a license).

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Prüfer in der Fahrprüfung: "Was tun Sie, wenn Sie plötzlich die Lizenz zum Anhalten verlieren?"
Prüfling: "Ich hupe und hoffe, dass jemand anderes eine hat!"

Translation:

The examiner in the driving test asks: "What do you do if you suddenly lose your license to stop?"
Candidate: "I honk and hope someone else has one!"

✍️ Poem about the Lizenz

Für Software, Fahren, Funk und mehr,
braucht's oft ein Dokument daher.
Nicht einfach tun, was man so will,
erst braucht man, ganz offiziell,
mit Stempel, Siegel, klar und dezent,
die heiß begehrte... Lizenz!

Translation:

For software, driving, radio and more,
a document is often required therefore.
Don't just do whatever you please,
first you need, quite officially,
with stamp, seal, clear and discreet,
the much sought-after... license (Lizenz)!

❓ Riddle

Ich bin ein Schein, oft aus Papier,
mal digital, gehöre dir.
Ich geb' dir Recht, für Zeit und Stund',
zu fahren, senden oder tun kund.
Ohne mich droht oft Verdruss,
weil man's offiziell nicht machen muss.

Was bin ich?

Translation:

I am a certificate, often made of paper,
Sometimes digital, belonging to you later.
I give you the right, for time and hour,
To drive, broadcast, or make known with power.
Without me, trouble often brews,
Because officially, it's something you must not do (without me).

What am I?

Solution: die Lizenz (the license)

🤓 More about Lizenz

Etymology: The word "Lizenz" comes from the Latin word licentia, meaning "permission," "freedom," but also "licentiousness." It entered German via Middle Latin licentia.

Compound Words (Komposita): "Lizenz" is a common component of compound nouns designating specific types of permissions:

• Softwarelizenz: Software license
• Fahrerlizenz: Driver's license (less common than *Führerschein* or *Fahrerlaubnis*)
• Sendelizenz: Broadcasting license
• Importlizenz / Exportlizenz: Import/export license
• Lizenzgebühr: License fee (the payment for a license)
• Lizenzvertrag: License agreement (the contract governing the license)