unverletzlich

Unverletzlich is a German adjective meaning inviolable or invulnerable, i.e., protected from violation or infringement. It describes something that may not be broken, breached, or encroached upon, such as rights, boundaries, or sanctity. In everyday language it can also express a strong protection or inviolate status.

In legal and constitutional discourse, unverletzlich commonly occurs with nouns referring to protected spheres. For example, Grundrechte are often described as unverletzlich, and phrases such as Unverletzlichkeit der Privatsphäre or Unverletzlichkeit der Wohnung are used to denote areas that are shielded from unlawful intrusion. The term frames a normative expectation that authorities and others must respect certain domains and that violations are prohibited by law.

Etymologically, unverletzlich is formed from the prefix un- (not) and the adjective verletzlich (susceptible to injury). It sits alongside related terms such as unantastbar (untouchable) and unverletzt (unharmed) but is particularly strong in legal and moral contexts, signaling a protected status rather than mere safety.

Usage notes: while unverletzlich can describe objects or concepts, it is most common when referring to fundamental rights, personal autonomy, privacy, or private space. In English, the closest translations are inviolable or inviolability, used for rights or domains that must not be violated.

See also: unantastbar, Grundrechte, Privatsphäre, Wohnung, Unverletzlichkeit.