Legal vs. rechtlich
The German words legal and rechtlich both mean legal in English but are used differently in context. Understanding their distinctions helps clarify situations where one term fits better than the other.
Legal
B1Legal refers to something explicitly permitted or recognized by law, often borrowing from formal or international legal terminology. Its usage is more academic or technical when discussing the legality of something.
Es ist legal, in Deutschland ab 18 Jahren Alkohol zu kaufen.
(It is legal to buy alcohol in Germany from the age of 18.)
Die Firma arbeitet vollständig legal, ohne Steuergesetze zu verletzen.
(The company operates completely legally, without violating tax laws.)
Dieser Download ist nicht legal.
(This download is not legal.)
Rechtlich
B2Rechtlich focuses more on the aspect of legal regulations, rights, or legal frameworks. It describes matters related to law and is often used in discussions of legal obligations or conditions.
Gibt es rechtlich gesehen eine Pflicht, den Vertrag zu unterzeichnen?
(From a legal perspective, is there an obligation to sign the contract?)
Die rechtliche Grundlage für diese Entscheidung ist das Grundgesetz.
(The legal basis for this decision is the Constitution.)
Wir prüfen, ob das rechtlich zulässig ist.
(We are checking if this is legally permissible.)
Summary
Legal is best used to describe something permissible or sanctioned by law, often framed in a formal or international context. On the other hand, rechtlich is primarily used to talk about legal frameworks, rights, and obligations, focusing on the legal perspective. While both share a connection to law, their application depends on whether the context is about legality (legal) or legal frameworks (rechtlich).