rechtmäßigen

Rechtmäßig is a German adjective meaning lawful or legitimate, in accordance with the law. It describes actions, claims, ownership, or statuses that have a legal basis or rightful entitlement. In contrast to similar terms, rechtmäßig emphasizes compliance with legal norms and procedures rather than mere moral propriety. In broader usage, it can also indicate that something is legally recognized or enforceable.

Grammatical notes: rechtmäßig declines like a strong or mixed adjective when used with definite articles or in various cases. The form rechtmäßigen appears in several singular and plural contexts, and also with feminine or plural nouns. Examples include:

- Der rechtmäßige Eigentümer hat Anspruch. (masculine nominative)

- den rechtmäßigen Antrag müssen Sie einreichen. (masculine accusative)

- mit dem rechtmäßigen Anspruch. (masculine dative)

- die rechtmäßigen Verträge. (plural nominative/accusative)

- der rechtmäßigen Sache. (feminine dative)

- ohne rechtmäßigen Grund. (masculine accusative, strong declension)

Etymology and related terms: rechtmäßig is formed from Recht (law) and -mäßig (like, manner of) and is part of a broader family including Rechstlichkeit, Rechtsstaatlichkeit and Rechtmäßigkeit, the noun meaning legitimacy or lawfulness. Its antonym is rechtswidrig or unrechtmäßig, indicating violation of law. In contrast to rechtlich, which relates to law in a more general or abstract sense, rechtmäßig stresses actual compliance with legal rules and recognition by authorities.

See also: Rechtmäßigkeit, Rechtsgrundlage, Rechtswidrigkeit, Rechtsschutz, rechtliche Begriffe.