Esta página en tu idioma

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B2 adjective 12 min de lectura

legitiem

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos legitiem en 30 segundos

Explicación legitiem in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word legitiem is quite advanced. You probably won't use it yourself, but you might see it on a form or in a formal setting. Think of it as a very fancy way to say 'okay' or 'correct according to the rules'. At this stage, you should focus on simpler words like goed (good) or mag het? (is it allowed?). If you see legitiem, just know it means something is official and follows the law. You don't need to worry about using it in your own sentences yet. Just recognize that it looks like the English word 'legitimate'. In the Netherlands, you might see it on official documents from the government or a bank. If a document asks for 'legitimatie', it's asking for your ID (passport or ID card). This is the noun form of the word. So, if you see 'legitiem' or 'legitimatie', think 'official' and 'ID'. This is a good first step in understanding this complex word. Remember, at A1, your goal is survival and basic communication. If someone asks you if something is 'legitiem', they are asking if it is officially correct. You can answer with 'ja' or 'nee'. Don't worry about the grammar rules for now; just focus on the basic meaning of 'official' or 'legal'. This will help you when you encounter the word in the real world, such as at a police station or a government office. It is a 'big word' for a beginner, but because it looks like English, it is easier to remember than many other Dutch words.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the A2 level, you can start to understand legitiem in the context of rules and simple justifications. You might hear it when someone is talking about why they did something. For example, 'Ik heb een legitieme reden om te laat te zijn' (I have a legitimate reason to be late). While you might still use legaal or goed more often, recognizing legitiem helps you understand more formal Dutch. You should also be aware that the word changes slightly when it's in front of a noun: 'een legitieme reden' vs. 'dat is legitiem'. At A2, you are starting to build sentences that explain things. Using legitiem makes you sound a bit more serious. You might use it when talking about your work or school. If you have a problem with a grade, you might ask the teacher if your complaint is legitiem. This is a very useful way to show that you are trying to use more professional language. You should also start to notice the difference between 'legitiem' and 'legaal'. 'Legaal' is about the law (like driving a car), while 'legitiem' is often about whether something is fair or justified. If you can understand this small difference, you are doing great! Also, remember the noun legitimatiebewijs, which is the official word for 'identity document'. You will hear this word at the airport or when you go to the bank. Being able to connect 'legitiem' to 'legitimatiebewijs' will help you remember that both words are about being 'official' and 'correct'. Keep practicing by looking for the word in Dutch newspapers or online articles.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the B1 level, you should be able to use legitiem in both spoken and written Dutch, especially in formal situations. You understand that it means 'justified' or 'valid' and not just 'legal'. You can use it to argue a point, such as 'Zijn zorgen zijn legitiem, maar we moeten toch doorgaan' (His concerns are legitimate, but we must still continue). You are also becoming more comfortable with the grammar, knowing when to add the '-e' at the end. At this level, you can start using the word to discuss social issues or workplace policies. For instance, you could participate in a meeting and say, 'Heeft het bedrijf een legitiem belang bij deze nieuwe regel?' (Does the company have a legitimate interest in this new rule?). This shows you can handle more abstract concepts. You should also be able to distinguish legitiem from synonyms like geoorloofd or rechtmatig. While geoorloofd is about permission, legitiem is about the underlying right or reason. If you use legitiem correctly, you will sound much more persuasive. You should also be familiar with the negative form illegitiem, although it is less common than 'onrechtmatig'. In B1, you are moving away from simple sentences and starting to use more complex structures. Legitiem fits perfectly into these structures, allowing you to express nuance. For example, you can use it in a 'hoewel' (although) sentence: 'Hoewel zijn actie niet legaal was, voelde het voor velen toch als legitiem.' (Although his action was not legal, for many it still felt legitimate.) This kind of sentence shows a high level of understanding and will help you pass your B1 exams.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the B2 level, which is the target level for this word, you should have a firm grasp of legitiem in all its nuances. You understand its legal, political, and social implications. You can use it to discuss complex topics like government authority, corporate ethics, and individual rights. You know that legitiem implies a combination of being 'lawful' and 'justified'. You are also familiar with fixed expressions like 'legitieme portie' in inheritance law and 'legitiem belang' in data privacy (GDPR/AVG). Your use of the word is grammatically perfect, and you can switch between the adjective and the noun legitimiteit with ease. At B2, you are expected to understand the 'Poldermodel' and how legitimacy plays a role in Dutch consensus-building. You can analyze a text and determine if the author is using legitiem to support an argument or to describe a legal status. You also know that the word is highly formal and wouldn't use it in a casual chat with friends unless you were being ironic. For example, in a debate about climate change, you might say: 'De eis voor snellere actie is volkomen legitiem, gezien de wetenschappelijke consensus.' (The demand for faster action is completely legitimate, given the scientific consensus.) This level of expression is exactly what is needed for B2. You should also be able to explain the difference between legitiem, legaal, and rechtmatig to someone else. Your vocabulary is rich enough that you can choose legitiem when you want to emphasize the 'rightfulness' of an action. Keep reading high-level sources like the Volkskrant or NRC to see how professional writers use this word to add weight to their reporting.

At the C1 level, your understanding of legitiem is near-native. You can use the word to navigate the most complex legal and philosophical discussions. You understand the subtle difference between 'de facto' and 'de jure' legitimacy, even if you use the Dutch equivalents. You can use legitiem in a variety of registers, from academic journals to high-level policy documents. You are also aware of the historical development of the word and how its meaning has shifted over time. At this level, you might use the word to critique the foundations of a system. For example, 'De legitimiteit van de mondiale financiële instellingen wordt steeds vaker ter discussie gesteld.' (The legitimacy of global financial institutions is increasingly being questioned.) You can also use the verb form legitimeren to describe the act of making something legitimate or justified. 'Hoe legitimeert de overheid deze inbreuk op de privacy?' (How does the government justify/legitimize this breach of privacy?). This shows a deep understanding of how language can be used to analyze power structures. Your writing is sophisticated, and you use legitiem to create precise, authoritative arguments. You can also recognize when the word is being used as a rhetorical tool to shut down debate. For instance, by calling a concern 'niet legitiem', a speaker is attempting to invalidate the other person's position. Being able to spot these nuances is a hallmark of C1 proficiency. You should also be comfortable using the word in very specific legal contexts, such as when discussing the 'legitimiteit van bewijs' (legitimacy of evidence) in a complex trial. Your ability to use legitiem correctly in these high-stakes situations demonstrates your mastery of the Dutch language.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the C2 level, you have a complete and effortless command of legitiem. You can use it with the same precision and flair as a highly educated native speaker. You are comfortable using it in any context, from a Supreme Court brief to a philosophical treatise on the nature of justice. You understand the most obscure legal applications of the word and can use it to explore the boundaries between law, ethics, and social contract theory. Your use of the word family, including legitimiteit, legitimeren, and legitimatie, is flawless and natural. At this level, you might engage in debates about the 'legitimiteitscrisis' (legitimacy crisis) in modern democracies, using the word to weave together complex political and social threads. You can also use the word in a more literary or poetic sense, perhaps discussing the 'legitieme aanspraak' (legitimate claim) of an artist to their legacy. Your understanding is so deep that you can play with the word, perhaps using it in a slightly subverted way to make a point. For example, 'In een wereld zonder regels is elke actie paradoxaal genoeg even legitiem als de volgende.' (In a world without rules, every action is paradoxically as legitimate as the next.) This kind of sophisticated wordplay is typical of C2. You are also a master of the various synonyms and can choose the perfect word for any situation, whether it's rechtmatig, wettig, geoorloofd, or valabel. Your command of legitiem is not just about knowing a definition; it's about understanding the entire conceptual framework of validity and authority in the Dutch-speaking world. You are, for all intents and purposes, a master of the language.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

legitiem en 30 segundos

Legitiem means 'legitimate' or 'justified' in Dutch, used for things that follow rules and have a valid reason.
It is more formal than 'legaal' and often implies a sense of fairness or moral correctness in addition to legality.
Commonly used in law (inheritance), politics (authority), and professional settings (justifying actions or concerns).
The inflected form is 'legitieme' when used before a noun, and it is essential for B2 level Dutch speakers.

The Dutch word legitiem is a sophisticated adjective that English speakers will recognize due to its Latin roots, yet its application in Dutch carries specific nuances that are essential for achieving a B2 level of proficiency. At its core, legitiem describes something that is in accordance with the law, established rules, or principles of fairness and logic. However, it is not merely a synonym for 'legal' (which is often legaal); rather, it carries a weight of justification and authorization. When a Dutch person describes a claim, a reason, or a government action as legitiem, they are asserting that it is not only permitted by the letter of the law but also supported by a valid, defensible rationale. This word is a staple in formal debates, legal proceedings, academic writing, and high-level business negotiations. For instance, in the context of political science, one might discuss the legitimiteit of a leader, referring to the public's acceptance of their authority. In everyday professional life, you might hear a manager say that a request for extra leave is legitiem if the employee has a valid family emergency. The word serves as a bridge between the cold structure of the law and the warmer human concept of what is 'right' or 'fair' under the circumstances. Understanding the depth of this word allows a learner to navigate complex social structures in the Netherlands, where the 'why' behind a rule is often just as important as the rule itself.

Legal Context: In legal Dutch, legitiem refers to actions that are authorized by statute or recognized by the court as valid. It is frequently used in inheritance law, where the 'legitieme portie' refers to the statutory share of an estate that children are entitled to, regardless of a will.

De rechter oordeelde dat de bewijslast op een legitieme wijze was verkregen door de politie.

Social Justification: Outside of the courtroom, the word is used to validate emotions or concerns. If someone says, 'Ik heb een legitieme zorg over de nieuwe plannen,' they are stating that their worry is not irrational but based on observable facts.

Het is een legitieme vraag of dit project wel binnen het budget past.

Academic Register: In academic writing, legitiem is used to evaluate theories or methods. A 'legitieme onderzoeksmethode' is one that is scientifically sound and accepted by the academic community.

Zijn argumenten zijn legitiem, maar de conclusie is desondanks onjuist.

Zonder legitiem bewijs kunnen we geen actie ondernemen tegen het bedrijf.

De overheid moet handelen op basis van een legitiem mandaat van het volk.

To truly master legitiem, one must observe how it distinguishes between 'what is possible' and 'what is justified'. For example, while it might be legaal to fire someone during a reorganization, it might not be seen as legitiem by the public if the company is simultaneously making record profits. This distinction highlights the word's connection to ethics and social norms. In the Netherlands, a country known for its 'Poldermodel' (consensus-based decision making), the concept of legitimacy is paramount. If a decision lacks legitimiteit, it is likely to face significant social resistance, even if it is technically within the law. Thus, using legitiem correctly signals that you understand the underlying values of Dutch society, including transparency, fairness, and the rule of law. Whether you are analyzing a political speech or discussing a business strategy, legitiem provides the precision needed to discuss the validity of actions in a complex world.

Using legitiem correctly requires an understanding of Dutch adjective inflection and word order. As an adjective, legitiem can be used in two main ways: predicatively (after a verb like 'zijn') and attributively (before a noun). When used predicatively, it remains legitiem: 'Deze actie is legitiem.' However, when used attributively, it usually takes an '-e' ending: 'Een legitieme actie.' This is a crucial distinction for B2 learners. Furthermore, the word often pairs with specific nouns to form common collocations that sound natural to native speakers. For example, 'legitieme reden' (legitimate reason) is a very frequent combination. If you are explaining why you missed a deadline, you might say, 'Ik had een legitieme reden voor mijn afwezigheid.' This sounds much more professional than 'Ik had een goede reden.' Another common usage is in the phrase 'legitieme belangen' (legitimate interests). In business or legal contexts, companies often act to protect their 'legitieme belangen.'

Attributive Use: When placed before a noun, the adjective almost always adds an 'e'. Example: 'De legitieme eigenaar van het pand meldde zich eindelijk.'

Zij hebben een legitieme reden om te protesteren tegen de nieuwe wet.

Predicative Use: When following a linking verb, the 'e' is dropped. Example: 'Is deze methode wel legitiem?'

De kritiek op het beleid van de directeur was volkomen legitiem.

Negative Form: The opposite is 'illegitiem', though people often use 'onrechtmatig' or 'ongeldig' depending on the context.

Het is niet legitiem om zonder toestemming privégegevens te delen.

De oppositie vraagt zich af of de verkiezingen wel legitiem zijn verlopen.

Elke burger heeft het legitieme recht om een klacht in te dienen bij de gemeente.

The word also appears in complex sentence structures involving subordinating conjunctions. For example, 'Hoewel de maatregel legitiem is, stuit hij op veel weerstand.' (Although the measure is legitimate, it meets much resistance.) This demonstrates how legitiem functions within the broader Dutch syntax, often acting as the pivot in an argument between legality and popularity. In business writing, particularly in the GDPR (AVG in Dutch) context, 'legitiem belang' is a technical term. It refers to the 'legitimate interest' a company has in processing data. Mastering this specific usage is vital for anyone working in a Dutch professional environment. Additionally, when discussing history or monarchy, legitiem refers to the rightful succession. 'De legitieme troonopvolger' is the lawful heir. This variety of contexts—from data privacy to royal history—shows that legitiem is a versatile tool for any speaker aiming for precision. By practicing these different sentence patterns, you will move beyond simple communication and start expressing nuanced judgments about the validity of actions and ideas.

You will encounter legitiem in several specific domains of Dutch life, each providing a different flavor to its meaning. The most common place is in the news, particularly during political reporting. When the Dutch parliament (the Tweede Kamer) debates a new law, commentators will often discuss whether the government's approach is legitiem. This isn't just about whether it breaks a law, but whether it follows the correct democratic procedures. If a minister makes a decision without consulting the relevant stakeholders, their actions might be called into question as not being fully legitiem. You will also hear this word frequently in legal dramas or real-life courtroom reporting. Lawyers use it to defend their clients' rights, arguing that their actions were a legitieme zelfverdediging (legitimate self-defense) or that they had a legitieme verwachting of a certain outcome based on previous promises.

News & Politics: Reporters often use the word when discussing the validity of elections or the use of power by authorities.

De journalist vroeg of de politieactie wel legitiem was gezien de omstandigheden.

Corporate Environment: In Dutch offices, especially in HR or legal departments, the word is used to justify policies or individual requests.

Het bedrijf heeft een legitiem belang bij het beschermen van zijn intellectueel eigendom.

Academic Discourse: Students and professors use it to evaluate the quality of sources and the validity of scientific claims.

Is dit een legitieme bron voor je scriptie, of is het een onbetrouwbare website?

De protestbeweging claimt een legitieme stem te zijn voor de onderdrukten.

Er is een legitiem verschil van mening over de beste aanpak van de crisis.

Another interesting area where you'll hear legitiem is in the context of inheritance and family law. The 'legitieme portie' is a term every Dutch person becomes familiar with when dealing with a will. It refers to the mandatory portion of an inheritance that children receive, even if their parents tried to disinherit them. This specific legal use reinforces the word's connection to 'inalienable rights'. In social media and modern slang, the word has also started to appear as a way to validate someone's feelings. If a friend is complaining about a bad experience at a restaurant, you might say, 'Dat is een legitieme klacht,' meaning their anger is justified. This shows how the word has migrated from high-level legal speak into common, everyday validation. Whether you are reading a high-brow newspaper like NRC Handelsblad or listening to a podcast about social justice, legitiem is a word that signals a transition into a serious, reasoned discussion about rights, rules, and reality.

For English speakers, the most frequent mistake when using legitiem is confusing it with the English word 'legal'. While they overlap, they are not perfect substitutes. In Dutch, if something is simply 'not against the law', you use legaal. If something is 'justified' or 'rightful', you use legitiem. For example, it might be legaal to charge a high price for a product, but customers might not find it legitiem if the quality is poor. Another common error involves the inflection of the adjective. Many learners forget to add the '-e' when the word comes before a noun. Saying 'een legitiem reden' is grammatically incorrect; it must be 'een legitieme reden'. This is because 'reden' is a 'de-word' and the indefinite article 'een' still requires the inflected form of the adjective for common gender nouns. Conversely, learners sometimes add an '-e' where it doesn't belong, such as after the verb 'zijn'. 'Die reden is legitieme' is wrong; it should be 'Die reden is legitiem.'

Confusion with 'Legaal': Mistake: 'Is het legitiem om hier te parkeren?' (Meaning: Is it legal?). Correct: 'Is het legaal om hier te parkeren?'

Fout: Ik heb een legitiem reden. Goed: Ik heb een legitieme reden.

Word Order in Questions: Learners often struggle with the position of 'legitiem' in complex questions. Remember the verb-subject-adjective order.

Vraag: Waarom denk je dat deze claim niet legitiem is?

The 'Legitieme Portie' Trap: Mistake: Using 'legale portie'. Correct: 'legitieme portie'. This is a fixed legal term.

De kinderen maakten aanspraak op hun legitieme portie van de erfenis.

Is het legitiem om geweld te gebruiken bij een arrestatie?

Zijn afwezigheid was legitiem door een plotseling sterfgeval in de familie.

Another subtle mistake is using legitiem when geoorloofd (allowed/permitted) is more appropriate in a casual context. For instance, if you're asking if it's okay to take a cookie, legitiem sounds way too heavy and formal. Save legitiem for when there's a question of authority, law, or deep justification. Finally, be careful with the pronunciation. The 'g' is the typical Dutch guttural sound, and the 'ie' is a long 'ee' sound as in 'meet'. Mispronouncing the 'g' can make the word unrecognizable. By paying attention to these distinctions—especially the 'legaal' vs. 'legitiem' divide—you will avoid the most common pitfalls and sound much more like a native speaker who understands the weight of their words.

To expand your Dutch vocabulary, it is helpful to compare legitiem with its synonyms and related terms. Each has a slightly different shade of meaning. Legaal is the most direct relative, but as discussed, it refers strictly to what is permitted by law. Wettig is another synonym, often used in formal or bureaucratic contexts, such as 'wettig betaalmiddel' (legal tender) or 'wettige echtgenoot' (lawful spouse). While legitiem often implies a moral or logical justification, wettig is purely about legal status. Then there is geoorloofd, which means 'permitted' or 'allowed'. This is more common in everyday situations, like 'Is het geoorloofd om hier te roken?' (Is it allowed to smoke here?). It lacks the 'weight' of legitimacy that legitiem carries.

Legitiem vs. Legaal: Legitiem is about justification/validity; Legaal is about following the law code.

Legitiem vs. Wettig: Wettig is bureaucratic and official; Legitiem is more philosophical and argumentative.

Legitiem vs. Rechtmatig: Rechtmatig is a common legal term meaning 'lawful' or 'rightful', often used for 'rechtmatig eigendom' (rightful property).

Het is legaal om alcohol te kopen vanaf 18 jaar, maar is het ook legitiem om het elke dag te doen?

Is er een geoorloofd alternatief voor deze gevaarlijke chemische stof?

De politie onderzocht of de huiszoeking wel rechtmatig was uitgevoerd.

Hij is de wettige erfgenaam van het familiefortuin.

Another word to consider is aanvaardbaar (acceptable). If a compromise is legitiem, it means it follows the rules; if it is aanvaardbaar, it means people are willing to live with it. In high-level Dutch, you might also encounter valabel, which is more common in Belgium (Flemish Dutch) than in the Netherlands, meaning 'valid' or 'worthwhile'. Understanding these synonyms allows you to choose the exact level of formality and the specific nuance you need. For a B2 learner, the goal is to stop using 'goed' or 'fout' for everything and start using terms like legitiem, rechtmatig, and geoorloofd to describe the complex world of rules and ethics. By comparing these words, you gain a deeper insight into how Dutch speakers categorize actions—from the strictly legal to the morally justified.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

In the 17th century, 'legitiem' was often used specifically to distinguish children born within a marriage (legitimate) from those born outside of it (illegitimate), a distinction that was crucial for inheritance.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /leːɣiˈtim/

US /leɪɡiˈtim/

The stress falls on the final syllable: le-gi-TIEM.

Rima con

intiem maritiem regiem pseudoniem synoniem anoniem team riem

Errores comunes

Pronouncing the 'g' like an English 'g' (as in 'game'). It should be the Dutch 'g'.
Pronouncing the 'ie' as a short 'i' (as in 'sit'). It should be a long 'ee'.
Putting the stress on the first syllable.
Confusing the pronunciation with the English 'legitimate'.
Forgetting to pronounce the final 'm' clearly.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 3/5

Easy to recognize due to English cognate, but requires context to understand nuance.

Escritura 4/5

Requires correct adjective inflection and formal register awareness.

Expresión oral 4/5

The Dutch 'g' and 'ie' sounds can be tricky for English speakers.

Escucha 3/5

Common in news and formal speech; usually pronounced clearly.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

wet recht reden goed officieel

Aprende después

legitimeren legitimiteit rechtmatig geoorloofd mandaat

Avanzado

soevereiniteit jurisdictie precedent statutair codificatie

Gramática que debes saber

Adjective Inflection (-e ending)

De legitieme (common noun) reden vs. Het legitieme (neuter noun) doel.

Predicative vs. Attributive Adjectives

De reden is legitiem (no -e) vs. De legitieme reden (with -e).

Noun Formation with -iteit

Legitiem (adj) becomes Legitimiteit (noun).

Verb Formation with -eren

Legitiem (adj) becomes Legitimeren (verb).

Negation with 'il-' prefix

Legitiem vs. Illegitiem (from Latin in- + legitimus).

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

Ejemplos por nivel

Is dit legitiem?

Is this legitimate?

Simple question using 'is' + adjective.

Ik heb een reden, en die is legitiem.

I have a reason, and it is legitimate.

Predicative use of the adjective.

Is dat een legitieme vraag?

Is that a legitimate question?

Attributive use with '-e' ending for a 'de-word' (vraag).

Dat is niet legitiem.

That is not legitimate.

Negative sentence with 'niet'.

De politie vraagt om legitimatie.

The police are asking for ID.

Noun form 'legitimatie' meaning ID.

Is uw paspoort legitiem?

Is your passport legitimate?

Adjective describing a noun.

Hij heeft legitieme papieren.

He has legitimate papers.

Plural attributive use.

Het plan lijkt legitiem.

The plan seems legitimate.

Use of the linking verb 'lijken'.

Zij heeft een legitieme reden om afwezig te zijn.

She has a legitimate reason to be absent.

Common collocation 'legitieme reden'.

Is deze website wel legitiem?

Is this website actually legitimate?

Using 'wel' for emphasis in a question.

Het is een legitiem bedrijf.

It is a legitimate company.

Attributive use with 'het-word' (bedrijf), but 'een' still triggers '-e' for adjectives describing 'het-words' when the noun is neuter? No, wait: 'een legitiem bedrijf' (neuter, indefinite). Correcting: 'een legitiem bedrijf'.

Zijn deze regels legitiem?

Are these rules legitimate?

Plural predicative use.

Je moet je legitieme rechten kennen.

You must know your legitimate rights.

Plural attributive use.

De actie was niet helemaal legitiem.

The action was not entirely legitimate.

Use of 'helemaal' as a modifier.

Heeft u een legitiem doel voor uw reis?

Do you have a legitimate purpose for your trip?

Attributive use with 'het-word' (doel), indefinite 'een' = no 'e'.

Het bewijs moet legitiem zijn.

The evidence must be legitimate.

Use of the modal verb 'moeten'.

De overheid heeft een legitiem belang bij deze maatregel.

The government has a legitimate interest in this measure.

Technical term 'legitiem belang'.

Het is een legitieme vraag of we dit wel moeten doen.

It is a legitimate question whether we should do this.

Complex sentence with 'of' clause.

Zijn boosheid was volkomen legitiem.

His anger was completely legitimate.

Use of 'volkomen' as an intensifier.

Zonder legitieme reden mag je niet weg.

Without a legitimate reason, you are not allowed to leave.

Prepositional phrase 'zonder legitieme reden'.

De rechter vond de claim niet legitiem.

The judge did not find the claim legitimate.

Object complement structure.

Zij strijden voor hun legitieme rechten.

They are fighting for their legitimate rights.

Verb 'strijden voor'.

De verkiezingen werden als legitiem beschouwd.

The elections were considered legitimate.

Passive voice with 'worden beschouwd als'.

Is er een legitiem alternatief beschikbaar?

Is there a legitimate alternative available?

Inversion in a question.

De legitieme portie kan niet door een testament worden uitgesloten.

The legitimate portion cannot be excluded by a will.

Fixed legal term 'legitieme portie'.

De legitimiteit van de nieuwe wet wordt betwist door de oppositie.

The legitimacy of the new law is contested by the opposition.

Noun form 'legitimiteit' used as a subject.

Het bedrijf handelde uit legitiem eigenbelang.

The company acted out of legitimate self-interest.

Compound concept 'legitiem eigenbelang'.

Er zijn legitieme zorgen over de privacy van gebruikers.

There are legitimate concerns about the privacy of users.

Plural attributive use.

De actie was weliswaar legaal, maar was hij ook legitiem?

The action was indeed legal, but was it also legitimate?

Contrast between 'legaal' and 'legitiem'.

Zij heeft een legitieme aanspraak op de troon.

She has a legitimate claim to the throne.

Fixed expression 'aanspraak maken op'.

De politie moet op legitieme wijze bewijs verzamelen.

The police must collect evidence in a legitimate manner.

Adverbial phrase 'op legitieme wijze'.

Zijn argumenten zijn logisch en legitiem.

His arguments are logical and legitimate.

Coordinated adjectives.

De legitimiteit van het regime wankelt na de grootschalige protesten.

The legitimacy of the regime is faltering after the large-scale protests.

Metaphorical use of 'wankelen' with 'legitimiteit'.

Men probeert de inbreuk op de grondrechten te legitimeren met veiligheidsargumenten.

They are trying to legitimize the breach of fundamental rights with security arguments.

Verb form 'legitimeren' in an infinitive construction.

Het is een legitieme vraag of de huidige structuren nog wel voldoen.

It is a legitimate question whether the current structures still suffice.

Abstract use in institutional critique.

De legitieme verwachtingen van de burgers werden niet ingelost.

The legitimate expectations of the citizens were not met.

Fixed legal/administrative concept 'legitieme verwachtingen'.

Er bestaat een legitiem verschil van inzicht over deze complexe materie.

There is a legitimate difference of opinion regarding this complex matter.

Formal phrase 'verschil van inzicht'.

De soevereiniteit van het land vormt een legitieme basis voor hun handelen.

The country's sovereignty forms a legitimate basis for their actions.

Noun phrase 'legitieme basis'.

Het gebruik van geweld door de staat is slechts onder strikte voorwaarden legitiem.

The use of force by the state is only legitimate under strict conditions.

Conditional sentence structure.

De commissie onderzoekt de legitimiteit van de gedane toezeggingen.

The commission is investigating the legitimacy of the promises made.

Past participle 'gedane' used as an adjective.

De ontkoppeling van legaliteit en legitimiteit leidde tot een constitutionele crisis.

The decoupling of legality and legitimacy led to a constitutional crisis.

Abstract academic noun usage.

Zij trachten hun machtspositie te legitimeren door te verwijzen naar historische precedenten.

They seek to legitimize their position of power by referring to historical precedents.

Complex verb phrase 'trachten te legitimeren'.

De legitieme portie fungeert als een laatste bescherming tegen onterving.

The legitimate portion functions as a final protection against disinheritance.

Technical legal explanation.

Het is een legitieme filosofische vraag of absolute waarheid bestaat.

It is a legitimate philosophical question whether absolute truth exists.

Use in high-level philosophical discourse.

Zijn handelen was ingegeven door een diepgevoeld, legitiem plichtsbesef.

His actions were prompted by a deeply felt, legitimate sense of duty.

Compound adjective 'diepgevoeld' with 'legitiem'.

De legitimiteit van de democratische rechtsstaat rust op het vertrouwen van de burger.

The legitimacy of the democratic constitutional state rests on the trust of the citizen.

Political science terminology.

Zonder een legitiem mandaat is elke politieke hervorming gedoemd te mislukken.

Without a legitimate mandate, every political reform is doomed to fail.

Strong rhetorical statement.

De rechter toetste of de overheid de beginselen van legitieme verwachtingen had geschonden.

The judge tested whether the government had violated the principles of legitimate expectations.

Specific legal principle 'beginsel van legitieme verwachtingen'.

Colocaciones comunes

legitieme reden

legitiem belang

legitieme portie

legitieme vraag

legitieme zorgen

legitieme macht

legitieme verwachting

volkomen legitiem

legitiem doel

legitieme wijze

Frases Comunes

Een legitieme reden hebben

— To have a valid and acceptable reason for an action.

Ik heb een legitieme reden om de afspraak te verzetten.

Aanspraak maken op de legitieme portie

— To claim the legal minimum inheritance share.

De zoon maakte aanspraak op zijn legitieme portie.

Een legitieme vraag stellen

— To ask a question that is fair and relevant.

U stelt een zeer legitieme vraag over de kosten.

Zich legitimeren

— To show one's identity documents (passport/ID).

U moet zich kunnen legitimeren bij de ingang.

Legitieme belangen behartigen

— To look after someone's rightful interests.

De advocaat behartigt de legitieme belangen van zijn cliënt.

Een legitiem mandaat

— Official permission or authority to perform a task.

De commissie werkt zonder een legitiem mandaat.

Legitieme zelfverdediging

— Defending oneself in a way that the law allows.

Was er sprake van legitieme zelfverdediging?

Geen legitieme basis hebben

— To lack a valid foundation or reason.

Zijn claim heeft geen legitieme basis.

Legitieme verwachtingen wekken

— To create expectations that are reasonable and valid.

De overheid heeft legitieme verwachtingen gewekt.

Op legitieme gronden

— Based on valid and legal reasons.

Het verzoek werd op legitieme gronden afgewezen.

Se confunde a menudo con

legitiem vs legaal

Legaal is strictly about law; legitiem is about law AND justification.

legitiem vs wettig

Wettig is more bureaucratic; legitiem is more argumentative/moral.

legitiem vs valide

Valide is often used for logic/data, while legitiem is for actions/rights.

Modismos y expresiones

"De legitieme portie"

— While a legal term, it's often used metaphorically to mean 'the bare minimum one is entitled to'.

Hij kreeg alleen zijn legitieme portie aan aandacht.

formal/metaphorical

"Iets legitimeren"

— To make something that is questionable seem okay or valid.

Je kunt dit gedrag niet legitimeren met dat excuus.

neutral

"Zichzelf legitimeren"

— To prove one's worth or right to be in a certain position.

De nieuwe leider moet zichzelf nog legitimeren.

formal

"Een legitiem doel heiligt de middelen"

— A variation of 'the end justifies the means', but emphasizing the legitimacy of the goal.

Heiligt dit legitieme doel werkelijk alle middelen?

philosophical

"Buiten de legitieme kaders treden"

— To act outside of what is permitted or justified.

De politie trad buiten de legitieme kaders.

formal

"Legitiem wantrouwen"

— A suspicion that is based on actual facts or history.

Er is sprake van een legitiem wantrouwen jegens de banken.

formal

"In een legitieme behoefte voorzien"

— To fulfill a real and valid need.

Dit nieuwe product voorziet in een legitieme behoefte.

business

"Het legitieme recht van de sterkste"

— Sarcastic phrase used when power is used to justify actions.

Het lijkt wel het legitieme recht van de sterkste hier.

informal/sarcastic

"Een legitieme claim leggen op"

— To rightfully demand something.

Zij legt een legitieme claim op de erfenis.

formal

"Legitieme twijfel"

— Doubt that is reasonable and based on evidence.

Er is legitieme twijfel over de uitslag.

formal

Fácil de confundir

legitiem vs legaal

Both translate to 'legal' in some contexts.

Legaal means 'allowed by law'. Legitiem means 'rightful' or 'justified'. You can do something legal that is not seen as legitimate.

Roken is legaal, maar is het legitiem in een ziekenhuis?

legitiem vs geoorloofd

Both mean 'allowed'.

Geoorloofd is simpler and used for permissions (e.g., parking). Legitiem is for authority and deep reasons.

Is het hier geoorloofd om te vissen?

legitiem vs rechtmatig

Both relate to rights and law.

Rechtmatig is a technical legal term for 'rightful'. Legitiem is broader and can be used for feelings/questions.

De rechtmatige eigenaar van het schilderij.

legitiem vs wettig

Both mean 'lawful'.

Wettig is often used for official status (e.g., 'wettig huwelijk'). Legitiem is for the 'why' behind it.

Dit is een wettig betaalmiddel in Nederland.

legitiem vs terecht

Both can mean 'justified'.

Terecht is an adverb/adjective for 'rightly so'. Legitiem is more formal and systematic.

Hij was terecht boos op zijn broer.

Patrones de oraciones

Is [subject] legitiem?

Is dit document legitiem?

Ik heb een legitieme [noun].

Ik heb een legitieme reden.

Het is een legitieme vraag of [clause].

Het is een legitieme vraag of we dit moeten kopen.

[Subject] wordt als legitiem beschouwd.

De uitslag wordt als legitiem beschouwd.

De legitimiteit van [noun] staat ter discussie.

De legitimiteit van de overheid staat ter discussie.

Door [action] tracht men [noun] te legitimeren.

Door te liegen tracht hij zijn fouten te legitimeren.

Op legitieme wijze [verb].

Op legitieme wijze geld verdienen.

Er zijn legitieme zorgen over [noun].

Er zijn legitieme zorgen over het klimaat.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

legitimiteit

legitimatie

legitimisme

legitimatiebewijs

Verbos

legitimeren

Adjetivos

legitiem

illegitiem

legitimistisch

Relacionado

legaal

wet

recht

geoorloofd

valide

Regístrate gratis para ver todos los ejemplos

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Common in formal speech, news, and professional writing. Rare in casual slang.

Errores comunes

Een legitiem reden → Een legitieme reden
Adjectives describing 'de-words' always get an -e after 'een'.
Is het legitiem om hier te parkeren? → Is het legaal om hier te parkeren?
Parking is about simple law (legaal), not deep justification (legitiem).
Die reden is legitieme. → Die reden is legitiem.
Adjectives after a linking verb (predicative) do not get an -e.
Dat is echt legitiem! → Dat is echt gaaf! / Dat is echt waar!
In Dutch, 'legitiem' is not used as slang for 'cool' or 'awesome' like 'legit' in English.
De legale portie van de erfenis. → De legitieme portie van de erfenis.
This is a fixed legal term; 'legale' is not used here.

Consejos

Adjective Ending

Don't forget the -e in 'een legitieme reden'. Because 'reden' is a 'de-word', the adjective gets an -e even after 'een'.

Legaal vs Legitiem

Use 'legaal' for 'allowed by law' and 'legitiem' for 'justified by reason or fairness'.

Stress the End

The stress is on the last syllable: le-gi-TIEM. This is common for Dutch words ending in -iem.

Email Tip

Use 'legitiem' to describe your concerns in a work email to sound more objective and less emotional.

Inheritance

If you hear 'legitieme portie', think 'mandatory inheritance share for children'.

Validation

Use 'Dat is een legitieme vraag' to show respect for someone's inquiry during a debate.

Cybersecurity

In IT, 'legitiem' describes safe, official software or websites versus phishing attempts.

Legitimiteit

Use the noun 'legitimiteit' when discussing the public's trust in a government or institution.

Latin Root

Remember 'lex' (law) from Latin to help you associate 'legitiem' with legal and official matters.

Legitiem Belang

This is a key phrase in Dutch privacy law (AVG). If you work with data, you must know it.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of the 'L' in Legitiem as standing for 'Law' and 'Logic'. If something is legitiem, it follows the Law and makes sense with Logic.

Asociación visual

Imagine a judge holding a scale. On one side is a law book, and on the other side is a 'Checkmark' representing a good reason. When they balance, the action is 'legitiem'.

Word Web

Wet Recht Reden Eerlijk Officieel Geldig Bewijs Mandaat

Desafío

Try to use 'legitiem' in a sentence where you are justifying why you are tired today. For example: 'Ik heb een legitieme reden om moe te zijn, want ik heb de hele nacht gestudeerd.'

Origen de la palabra

The word comes from the Latin 'legitimus', which means 'lawful' or 'according to law'. It entered the Dutch language through French 'légitime' in the late Middle Ages.

Significado original: Conforming to the law or rules; lawful.

Indo-European (Italic/Latin branch).

Contexto cultural

Be careful when using 'illegitiem' regarding children; it is considered archaic and offensive in modern social contexts. Use 'buitenechtelijk' if referring to history.

In English, 'legit' is common slang, but in Dutch, 'legitiem' remains strictly formal. Don't use it to mean 'cool'.

The Dutch Civil Code (Burgerlijk Wetboek) mentions 'legitieme portie' in Boek 4. Political scientists often refer to the 'legitimiteitscrisis' in European politics. Historical debates about the 'legitieme' heirs of the House of Orange.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Legal Proceedings

legitiem bewijs
legitieme zelfverdediging
legitieme portie
rechtmatig en legitiem

Business & HR

legitiem belang
legitieme reden voor verzuim
legitieme bedrijfsvoering
legitieme aanspraak

Politics & Governance

legitiem mandaat
legitimiteit van het bestuur
legitieme machtsuitoefening
democratisch legitiem

Academic Writing

legitieme onderzoeksvraag
legitieme bronvermelding
theoretisch legitiem
legitieme methode

Daily Life (Formal)

legitieme zorgen uiten
een legitieme vraag
legitiem excuus
legitieme klacht

Inicios de conversación

"Vind je dat de overheid een legitiem belang heeft bij het controleren van onze data?"

"Wat is volgens jou een legitieme reden om een afspraak op het laatste moment af te zeggen?"

"Denk je dat protesten altijd legitiem zijn, ook als ze voor overlast zorgen?"

"Is het legitiem om AI te gebruiken voor het schrijven van je scriptie?"

"Wanneer is kritiek op een leidinggevende volgens jou legitiem?"

Temas para diario

Beschrijf een situatie waarin je een legitieme reden had om boos te zijn, maar toch besloot rustig te blijven.

Is er een regel in jouw land die legaal is, maar die jij niet als legitiem beschouwt? Leg uit waarom.

Hoe belangrijk is legitimiteit voor een leider in een bedrijf? Geef voorbeelden uit je eigen ervaring.

Reflecteer op de 'legitieme portie' in het erfrecht. Vind je het eerlijk dat kinderen altijd recht hebben op een deel?

Schrijf over een moment waarop je twijfelde of een website of aanbieding wel legitiem was.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

'Legaal' betekent simpelweg dat iets volgens de wet mag. 'Legitiem' gaat een stap verder: het betekent dat iets niet alleen volgens de wet mag, maar ook eerlijk, logisch en verdedigbaar is. Een actie kan legaal zijn (volgens de regels), maar toch niet legitiem aanvoelen (onrechtvaardig).

Je gebruikt 'legitieme' wanneer het bijvoeglijk naamwoord vóór een 'de-woord' staat (de legitieme reden) of vóór een meervoud (legitieme vragen). Bij 'het-woorden' gebruik je alleen 'legitieme' als er een bepaald lidwoord (het) voor staat. Bij 'een' + het-woord gebruik je 'legitiem' (een legitiem doel).

Dit is een term uit het erfrecht. Het is het deel van de erfenis waar kinderen altijd recht op hebben, zelfs als hun ouders hen hebben onterfd in een testament. Het is een wettelijke bescherming van het kind.

Ja, 'legitiem' is een vrij formeel woord. In het dagelijks leven met vrienden gebruik je vaker woorden als 'terecht' of 'logisch'. In een zakelijke of juridische omgeving is 'legitiem' echter heel gebruikelijk.

Meestal niet direct. Je zegt niet 'hij is een legitiem persoon'. Je zegt wel 'hij is de legitieme troonopvolger' of 'hij is een legitieme kandidaat'. Het beschrijft meestal een status of een eigenschap van een actie/vraag.

Het directe tegenovergestelde is 'illegitiem'. In juridische contexten wordt echter vaker 'onrechtmatig' gebruikt, en in informele contexten 'ongegrond' of 'niet terecht'.

'Legitimeren' is het werkwoord. Het kan betekenen: 1. Je identiteitsbewijs laten zien (zich legitimeren). 2. Iets rechtvaardigen of geldig maken (een actie legitimeren).

Ja, heel vaak. Vooral in politieke verslaggeving over de geldigheid van wetten, verkiezingen of het optreden van de politie of de overheid.

Ze lijken op elkaar, maar 'valide' wordt vaker gebruikt voor argumenten, data of tickets (een valide vervoersbewijs). 'Legitiem' heeft een sterkere associatie met rechtvaardigheid en autoriteit.

Het is de typische Nederlandse 'harde' of 'zachte' g, afhankelijk van waar je bent, maar het is nooit de Engelse 'g' van 'go'. Het klinkt als een schrapend geluid achter in de keel.

Regístrate gratis para ver consejos y notas