die  Rechtmäßigkeit

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ʁɛçtˈmɛːsɪçkaɪ̯t/

📜 What does "die Rechtmäßigkeit" mean?

Die Rechtmäßigkeit (feminine noun) refers to the conformity of an action, situation, or decision with applicable law and statutes. It's about whether something is legal or permissible by law.

In a broader sense, it can also encompass conformity with ethical principles or a higher order (Legitimität - legitimacy), although the focus is usually on legal correctness.

It's an abstract noun and therefore almost exclusively used in the singular.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Die Rechtmäßigkeit

The word "Rechtmäßigkeit" is a feminine noun. The article is die. It is generally used only in the singular.

A plural ('die Rechtmäßigkeiten') is very rare and only used when referring to specific, distinct instances or aspects of legality.

Example Sentences

1. Das Gericht prüfte die Rechtmäßigkeit der Entscheidung.
   (The court examined the legality of the decision.)
2. Es bestehen Zweifel an der Rechtmäßigkeit des Vorgehens.
   (There are doubts about the legality of the procedure.)
3. Die Rechtmäßigkeit staatlichen Handelns ist ein hohes Gut.
   (The legality of state actions is a valuable asset/important principle.)

💡 Usage and Context

"Die Rechtmäßigkeit" is a central term in legal and administrative language.

• Legal Context: Used to check if actions (e.g., by a citizen, authority, company) or norms (e.g., a regulation) comply with higher-ranking law (statutes, constitution). Example: Prüfung der Rechtmäßigkeit eines Verwaltungsaktes (Examination of the legality of an administrative act).
• Ethical/Philosophical Context: Sometimes the term is broadened to ask not only about legal correctness but also about the moral legitimacy or justice of a matter.
• Distinction from "Gerechtigkeit" (Justice): While Rechtmäßigkeit describes conformity with the law, Gerechtigkeit is a broader, often more subjective concept involving fairness and moral rightness. Something can be lawful (rechtmäßig) but perceived as unjust (ungerecht).

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic: Abstract nouns ending in "-keit" in German are almost always feminine (die). Think of die Möglichkeit (possibility), die Sauberkeit (cleanliness)... and thus die Rechtmäßigkeit.

Meaning Mnemonic: Think of "Recht" (law/right) + "mäßig" (moderate/conforming). Something is "conforming to the law". The ending "-keit" makes it the noun: the state of conforming to the law -> die Rechtmäßigkeit (legality).

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms of Rechtmäßigkeit

⚠️ Caution: Although similar, nuances can be important. "Legitimität" is often broader than the purely formal "Rechtmäßigkeit".

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Richter den Angeklagten: "Geben Sie zu, dass Sie das Schild 'Parken verboten' ignoriert haben?"
Antwortet der Angeklagte: "Herr Richter, wie soll ich ein Schild ignorieren, das ich gar nicht gesehen habe? Über die Rechtmäßigkeit des Nicht-Sehens können wir gerne diskutieren!"

Judge asks the defendant: "Do you admit that you ignored the 'No Parking' sign?"
Defendant replies: "Your Honor, how can I ignore a sign I didn't even see? We can gladly discuss the legality of not seeing!"

📜 A Poem about Legality

Im Dschungel der Gesetze klar,
fragt man: Ist es wirklich wahr?
Stimmt die Handlung, der Beschluss,
mit Paragraph und dem Erlass?
Die Rechtmäßigkeit, fein und schlicht,
hält das System im Gleichgewicht.
Sie prüft genau, mit ernstem Blick,
des Handelns wohlgeformtes Stück.

(In the jungle of laws so clear,
one asks: Is it truly dear?
Does the action, the decree comply,
with paragraph and statute high?
Legality, fine and plain,
keeps the system from strain.
It checks precisely, with a serious gaze,
the well-formed piece of action's ways.)

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich habe keinen Körper, doch ein starkes Band,
verbinde Handlung mit Gesetz im Land.
Man prüft mich oft vor dem Gericht,
bin ich gegeben, stimmt das Licht.
Bin ich verletzt, ruft man nach Recht.

Was bin ich?(Lösung: die Rechtmäßigkeit)

(I have no body, but a strong tie,
connecting action with law, way up high.
I'm often checked before the court's decree,
if I am present, all's legally.
If I am breached, for justice they call.

What am I?
Solution: die Rechtmäßigkeit / legality)

🧩 Word Components and Trivia

Word Composition:

• Recht: Refers to the system of rules and norms (law, right).
• -mäßig: Suffix meaning "according to", "corresponding to" (like in "regelmäßig" - regular).
• -keit: Suffix used to form abstract nouns from adjectives (here from "rechtmäßig" - lawful, legal).

So, the adjective "rechtmäßig" describes something that conforms to the law. "Die Rechtmäßigkeit" is the state or quality of being lawful.