What is the German Word for “Allowed”?
The most common German word for “allowed” is erlaubt. This adjective is widely used in various contexts to indicate that something is permitted or acceptable.
Basic Usage of “Erlaubt”
“Erlaubt” functions as an adjective and is often used in both formal and informal settings. Here are some examples:
- Ist das hier erlaubt? (Is this allowed here?)
- Rauchen ist nicht erlaubt. (Smoking is not allowed.)
- Handys sind im Unterricht nicht erlaubt. (Mobile phones are not allowed in class.)
Using Modal Verbs to Express “Allowed”
In German, modal verbs play a significant role when talking about permission. The verb dürfen translates to “to be allowed to” or “may,” and it’s commonly used to express allowance.
Examples with “Dürfen”
- Du darfst hier parken. (You are allowed to park here.)
- Ich darf heute länger aufbleiben. (I am allowed to stay up longer today.)
- Wir dürfen den Raum betreten. (We are allowed to enter the room.)
Other Ways to Say “Allowed” in German
Besides “erlaubt” and “dürfen,” there are a few more expressions to convey permission in German:
- Genehmigt – Typically used in official or formal contexts (approved/authorized).
- Zugelassen – Used in the sense of something being officially permitted, often for products or exams.
- Gestattet – A more formal or literary way to say allowed.
Example sentences:
- Das wurde von der Behörde genehmigt. (That was approved by the authorities.)
- Nur zertifizierte Fahrzeuge sind zugelassen. (Only certified vehicles are allowed.)
- Das Betreten des Rasens ist nicht gestattet. (Walking on the grass is not allowed.)
Common Signs and Phrases
When in Germany, you’ll encounter many signs indicating what is or isn’t allowed. Recognizing these phrases can be helpful:
- Eintritt verboten – Entry forbidden
- Parken erlaubt – Parking allowed
- Hunde erlaubt – Dogs allowed
- Nur für Mitarbeiter erlaubt – Only for staff allowed
Tips for Mastering Permission-Related Vocabulary in German
- Practice forming sentences with “dürfen” in different tenses.
- Pay attention to signs and official notices when traveling or watching German media.
- Use language learning platforms like Talkpal to reinforce your understanding with practical exercises and real-life dialogues.
Conclusion
Expressing permission is a fundamental part of everyday conversation in German. By mastering words like “erlaubt,” using modal verbs such as “dürfen,” and recognizing formal alternatives, you’ll communicate more confidently and accurately. For more tips and interactive German lessons, consider using Talkpal, your AI-powered language learning companion, to accelerate your progress and make learning German enjoyable and effective.
