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B1 adjective #4,000 le plus courant 11 min de lecture

illegal

Top 4,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces illegal en 30 secondes

Explication illegal in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'illegal' means something is not allowed by the law. It is very similar to the English word, which makes it easy to remember. You will mostly see it in simple sentences like 'Das ist illegal' (That is illegal). You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet. Just remember that it is a strong word for when someone breaks a big rule, like stealing or driving without a license. It is the opposite of 'legal'. You might hear it in movies or see it on signs. Even at this early stage, try to pronounce it correctly by putting the stress at the very end: il-le-GAL. This will help people understand you better. Don't worry about changing the ending of the word for now; just using it after 'ist' is enough for most A1 conversations.

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At the A2 level, you start to use 'illegal' to describe more specific things. You might talk about 'illegale Musik' or 'illegale Filme' if you are discussing the internet. You should begin to notice that when 'illegal' comes before a noun, it needs an ending. For example, 'eine illegale Tat' (an illegal act). You can also use it to talk about simple traffic rules, although 'verboten' is more common there. You should be able to understand the word when you hear it in the news. It is a good word to use when you want to express that something is a serious problem. Remember that 'illegal' always relates to the law of the country. If you are just talking about a rule in a game or at home, 'verboten' is usually a better choice. Start practicing the difference between 'Das ist illegal' and 'Das ist verboten'.

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At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'illegal' as both an adjective and an adverb. You should know how to decline it correctly in all cases: 'wegen eines illegalen Geschäfts' (genitive), 'mit illegalen Mitteln' (dative). You will encounter this word frequently in German news articles about politics, the environment, and technology. You should be able to discuss topics like 'Schwarzarbeit' (illegal work) or 'illegale Autorennen' (illegal car races) using this word. You should also understand that 'illegal' is a formal word. In a conversation, using 'illegal' shows that you are taking the topic seriously. You should also be aware of synonyms like 'ungesetzlich', although 'illegal' remains the most common choice for everyday B1-level discourse. You can use it to form more complex sentences, like 'Ich finde es illegal, dass Firmen unsere Daten ohne Erlaubnis verkaufen.'

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'illegal' with precision and to understand its nuances compared to words like 'rechtswidrig' or 'unzulässig'. You should be able to participate in debates about legal issues, such as the ethics of 'illegal' actions that might be morally justified (civil disobedience). You will hear this word in more complex contexts, such as 'illegale Preisabsprachen' (illegal price-fixing) in business or 'illegale Pushbacks' in political discussions about migration. Your declension of the word should be automatic and error-free. You should also be able to use the adverbial form 'illegalerweise' to start a sentence or to add a specific tone to your description of an event. You should understand that 'illegal' is a powerful label that can have legal and social consequences when applied to an action or a person.

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At the C1 level, you should have a sophisticated understanding of 'illegal' within the German legal and social system. You should be able to distinguish it from highly technical terms like 'ordnungswidrig' (a minor regulatory offense) and 'strafbar' (criminally liable). You will encounter 'illegal' in academic texts, legal commentaries, and high-level journalism. You should be able to analyze the use of the word in political rhetoric—for example, how the label 'illegal' is used to frame certain groups or activities. You should also be able to use the word in abstract discussions about the philosophy of law. Your usage should reflect a deep understanding of German syntax, allowing you to place 'illegal' or its derivatives in complex sentence structures for maximum impact. You might also explore the history of the word and its Latin origins to better understand its place in European legal traditions.

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At the C2 level, you use 'illegal' with the same nuance and ease as a native speaker. You are aware of the subtle connotations it carries in different professional fields, such as law, medicine, or environmental science. You can use the word and its synonyms ('rechtswidrig', 'gesetzwidrig', 'pönalisiert') to express very specific legal statuses. You can engage in high-level debates about the limits of the law and the concept of 'illegal' versus 'illegitimate'. You understand how the term has evolved in German history and its implications in contemporary legal theory. Your mastery of the word includes the ability to use it ironically, metaphorically, or with extreme precision in a court-like setting. You are also proficient in using the word in creative writing, where it can be used to set a specific mood or to characterize a person's relationship with society and authority.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

illegal en 30 secondes

Illegal means contrary to the law of the state.
It is a direct cognate to the English word 'illegal'.
In German, it must be declined when used as an adjective.
It is commonly used for crime, technology, and political topics.

The German word illegal is a direct cognate to the English word 'illegal', sharing its Latin roots in 'illegalis', which translates to 'not lawful'. In the German linguistic landscape, it functions primarily as an adjective and an adverb to describe actions, objects, or states that are in direct violation of established laws or statutory regulations. Unlike the word 'verboten', which can refer to a simple house rule or a parental prohibition, illegal carries a heavier weight, implying a conflict with the state's legal framework.

Legal Context: In German jurisprudence, something is considered illegal if it contravenes the 'Strafgesetzbuch' (Penal Code) or the 'Grundgesetz' (Basic Law). It is the formal designation for criminal activities ranging from petty theft to complex financial fraud.

When people use this word in daily conversation, they are often referring to contemporary issues such as 'illegale Downloads' (illegal downloads) or 'illegale Autorennen' (illegal car races), both of which are frequently discussed in German news media.

Das Herunterladen von Filmen ohne Bezahlung ist in Deutschland absolut illegal.

Furthermore, the term is used in political debates regarding 'illegale Einwanderung' (illegal immigration), where it serves as a technical, though often controversial, descriptor. It is important to note that while 'rechtswidrig' is another common term in German law, illegal is more universally understood by the layperson. The word also finds its way into the realm of labor, specifically with 'Schwarzarbeit', which is essentially illegal work performed without paying taxes or social security. This is a significant topic in German society, as the state loses billions of euros annually to such activities.

Wer Arbeiter ohne Vertrag beschäftigt, handelt illegal und riskiert hohe Strafen.

In sports, the term is applied to 'Doping', which is the illegal use of performance-enhancing drugs. The nuance here is that the illegality is defined by both the law and the governing bodies of the sport.

Social Perception: In Germany, there is a strong cultural emphasis on 'Recht und Ordnung' (law and order). Therefore, labeling an action as illegal carries a significant social stigma, often leading to immediate exclusion or condemnation in professional circles.

The word is also used in the context of environmental protection, such as 'illegale Müllentsorgung' (illegal waste disposal), which is strictly monitored in Germany.

Die Polizei sucht nach Zeugen für die illegale Entsorgung von Batterien im Wald.

Overall, the word is indispensable for anyone navigating German society, as it defines the boundaries of acceptable behavior within the legal system. It is a word of authority, clarity, and consequence.

Grammatical Note: When used as an adverb, it remains 'illegal'. When used as an adjective modifying a noun, it changes: 'ein illegaler Trick', 'eine illegale Tat', 'ein illegales Geschäft'.

Es ist illegal, Dokumente zu fälschen.

Sie haben eine illegale Party im Park gefeiert.

This word is central to understanding German civic life and the rule of law.

Using the word illegal correctly in German requires an understanding of its dual role as both an adjective and an adverb. When used as a predicative adjective (following a linking verb like 'sein'), it does not take any endings. This is perhaps the simplest way to use the word.

Parken vor der Feuerwehrausfahrt ist illegal.

However, when it is placed directly before a noun (attributive use), it must agree with the gender, number, and case of that noun. For example, in the nominative case, we say 'ein illegaler Handel' (masculine), 'eine illegale Handlung' (feminine), and 'ein illegales Medikament' (neuter).

Adjectival Declension: Remember that the endings change based on the article. 'Der illegale Handel' (weak declension) versus 'Ein illegaler Handel' (mixed declension).

In its adverbial form, illegal describes the manner in which an action is performed.

Er hat die Software illegal kopiert.

Here, the word tells us how the copying was done—it was done in an unlawful manner. Another important aspect of using illegal is its placement in the sentence. In German, the adverb typically follows the verb it modifies, or it can be placed at the end of the sentence for emphasis.

Man darf nicht illegal über die Grenze gehen.

When discussing laws, you will often find illegal paired with verbs like 'handeln' (to act), 'beschaffen' (to procure), or 'besitzen' (to possess).

Common Verb Pairings: 'Illegal handeln' (to act illegally), 'Illegal erworben' (illegally acquired), 'Illegal eingereist' (illegally entered).

These pairings are essential for B1 learners to sound more natural. For instance, instead of saying 'Er hat das Gesetz gebrochen', one might say 'Er hat illegal gehandelt'. This provides a more descriptive tone.

Die Polizei hat die illegalen Waffen beschlagnahmt.

In this example, 'illegalen' is in the accusative plural form, matching 'Waffen'. Furthermore, the word can be used in the comparative and superlative forms—'illegaler' and 'am illegalsten'—though these are rare because legality is often binary. However, in a rhetorical sense, one might say something is 'more illegal' than something else to emphasize the severity of the crime.

Sentence Structure Tip: When using 'illegal' to describe a whole situation, it often appears at the beginning of a sub-clause: 'Ich wusste nicht, dass es illegal ist, hier zu campen.'

Es ist illegal, während der Fahrt mit dem Handy zu telefonieren.

Mastering these patterns will allow you to discuss rules and regulations with confidence in any German-speaking environment.

In Germany, the word illegal is ubiquitous in news broadcasts, especially those focusing on crime and justice. You will hear it in the 'Tagesschau' or 'heute-journal' when reporters discuss police raids on 'illegale Glücksspielhöhlen' (illegal gambling dens) or the discovery of 'illegale Waffenlager' (illegal weapon caches). The frequency of this word in the media reflects the German public's interest in legal compliance and the consequences of deviating from it.

Media Usage: Broadcasters often use 'illegal' to provide a clear, factual basis for a story. It removes ambiguity about whether an action was permitted or not.

Another common place to hear the word is in the context of the internet and technology. Discussions about 'illegales Streaming' or 'illegales Filesharing' are very common among younger generations and in tech-focused podcasts.

Die Behörden gehen verstärkt gegen illegales Streaming vor.

In the workplace, you might hear it during compliance training. Companies in Germany are very strict about 'Korruption' and 'Bestechung' (bribery), which are described as illegale Praktiken. Environmental activism is another sphere where the word is frequent. Protesters might label certain industrial practices as illegal, even if they are technically permitted, to challenge the morality of the laws themselves. Conversely, the government uses the word to describe 'illegale Rodungen' (illegal deforestation) or 'illegale Emissionen'.

Das Verbrennen von Müll im Garten ist illegal.

In urban areas, you will often hear about 'illegale Graffitis' or 'illegales Plakatieren' (illegal billposting). These are part of the daily friction of city life.

Street Language: On the street, 'illegal' is used by police officers during inspections: 'Das ist eine illegale Modifikation an Ihrem Auto.'

Cinema and literature also utilize the word to build tension in crime thrillers (Krimis). A character might be involved in an 'illegaler Ring' or trying to escape 'illegale Verfolger'.

In dem Film ging es um einen illegalen Kunsthandel.

Finally, in political discourse, the word is a powerful tool. It is used to frame arguments about what the state should or should not allow. Terms like 'illegale Pushbacks' at borders are frequently debated in the context of human rights.

Der Bericht kritisiert die illegale Überwachung von Bürgern.

By recognizing illegal in these varied contexts, you will gain a deeper understanding of the values and conflicts within German culture.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using illegal in German is forgetting to decline the adjective. In English, 'illegal' never changes, but in German, it must match the noun. Forgetting the '-er', '-e', or '-es' endings is a clear marker of a non-native speaker.

Falsch: Ein illegal Download. Richtig: Ein illegaler Download.

Another mistake is confusing illegal with 'verboten'. While they are often interchangeable, 'verboten' is a broader term. You can say 'Rauchen ist hier verboten' (Smoking is forbidden here) because it might just be a rule of the building, whereas 'Rauchen ist hier illegal' would imply there is a specific federal law against it.

Distinction Check: Use 'verboten' for rules, commands, and general prohibitions. Use 'illegal' for matters of the law and state statutes.

Learners also sometimes struggle with the adverbial use. In English, we often add '-ly' to make an adverb (illegally), but in German, the base form of the adjective 'illegal' serves as the adverb. Adding an ending like 'illegalerweise' is possible and common, but simply using 'illegal' as an adverb is often more direct.

Er hat illegal gehandelt. (Adverbial use - no ending needed).

A more subtle mistake is using illegal when 'unhöflich' (impolite) or 'unfähr' (unfair) would be more appropriate. In some cultures, 'illegal' might be used loosely to mean 'wrong', but in German, it is strictly tied to the law. Calling an unfair move in a board game 'illegal' might be understood, but it sounds overly dramatic or technically incorrect unless the game has actual laws.

Register Errors: Avoid using 'illegal' for minor social faux pas. It is a 'hard' word that brings in the concept of the police and courts.

Furthermore, learners sometimes confuse the pronunciation. In German, the stress is on the third syllable: il-le-GAL. English speakers tend to stress the second syllable (il-LE-gal), which can make the word hard for Germans to recognize immediately.

Betonung: il-le-GAL.

Lastly, be careful with the word 'unlegal'. It does not exist in German. The only correct negative form is 'illegal' (which is already negative) or the positive 'legal'.

Es gibt kein Wort wie 'unlegal'. Benutzen Sie stattdessen illegal.

Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your German sound much more precise and professional.

While illegal is a very useful word, German offers a variety of synonyms that can provide more specific nuances depending on the context. Understanding these alternatives will help you reach a B2 or C1 level of proficiency.

Ungesetzlich: This is a very close synonym to 'illegal'. It literally means 'against the law' (Gesetz). It is often used in more formal writing or when emphasizing the specific 'Gesetz' being broken.

Seine Handlungen waren eindeutig ungesetzlich.

Rechtswidrig: This is the preferred term in legal documents. It means 'contrary to the law' (Recht). It is more technical and less common in casual speech than 'illegal'.

Das Gericht erklärte die Kündigung für rechtswidrig.

Gesetzwidrig: Similar to 'ungesetzlich', this word specifically points to a violation of a 'Gesetz'. It is quite formal.

Strafbar: This word means 'punishable'. Not everything that is 'illegal' is necessarily 'strafbar' in the sense of leading to a prison sentence (it might just be an 'Ordnungswidrigkeit'), but most things that are 'strafbar' are definitely 'illegal'.

Beleidigung kann in Deutschland strafbar sein.

Verboten: As discussed, this is the most common word for 'forbidden'. It is the best choice for everyday situations like signs in a park or rules at home.

Es ist verboten, die Blumen zu pflücken.

Unzulässig: This means 'inadmissible' or 'not permitted'. It is often used in administrative contexts or in court regarding evidence.

Kriminell: This means 'criminal'. It focuses more on the person or the nature of the act as a crime, rather than just the lack of legal permission.

Er gehört zu einer kriminellen Vereinigung.

By choosing the right word from this list, you can express exactly what kind of 'illegality' you are talking about, whether it is a simple rule breaking or a serious crime.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The word entered the German language in the 17th century, primarily as a legal term. Before that, German speakers would use purely Germanic terms like 'ungesetzlich'.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ɪˈliː.ɡəl/

US /ɪˈli.ɡəl/

In German, the stress is on the LAST syllable: il-le-GAL [ɪleˈɡaːl].

Rime avec

egal Regal Signal optimal Kanal Pokal Vokal lokal

Erreurs fréquentes

Stressing the second syllable like in English.
Pronouncing the final 'l' too softly.
Using a short 'a' sound instead of the long German 'a'.
Confusing it with 'legal' by not emphasizing the 'il-' prefix enough.
Pronouncing the 'g' as a 'j' sound.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 1/5

Very easy to recognize because it is almost identical to the English word.

Écriture 3/5

Requires attention to adjective endings and correct spelling (double 'l').

Expression orale 3/5

The stress on the last syllable is the main challenge for English speakers.

Écoute 2/5

Easy to understand, though the stress shift might be surprising at first.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

Gesetz erlaubt verboten machen nicht

Apprends ensuite

rechtswidrig strafbar die Strafe das Gericht der Anwalt

Avancé

Ordnungswidrigkeit Tatbestand Verhältnismäßigkeit Gesetzmäßigkeit Unrecht

Grammaire à connaître

Adjective Declension

Ein illegaler (masc. nom.) Trick; Eine illegale (fem. nom.) Tat.

Nominalization of Adjectives

Etwas Illegales (Something illegal).

Adverbial usage

Er hat illegal (no ending) gehandelt.

Genitive with 'wegen'

Wegen illegalen Waffenbesitzes (masc. gen.).

Dative after 'mit'

Mit illegalen Methoden (plural dat.).

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Exemples par niveau

Stehlen ist illegal.

Stealing is illegal.

Simple predicative use after 'ist'.

Das ist illegal.

That is illegal.

Common phrase for beginners.

Ist das illegal?

Is that illegal?

Question form.

Parken hier ist illegal.

Parking here is illegal.

Subject is a gerund-like noun (Parken).

Das ist nicht legal, es ist illegal.

That is not legal, it is illegal.

Contrast between antonyms.

Ich mache nichts Illegales.

I am doing nothing illegal.

Nominalized adjective (Illegales).

Ist Raub illegal?

Is robbery illegal?

Simple question with a noun.

Er fährt illegal Auto.

He drives the car illegally.

Adverbial use.

Er hat eine illegale Webseite besucht.

He visited an illegal website.

Attributive use, feminine accusative.

Wir dürfen keine illegalen Filme sehen.

We are not allowed to watch illegal movies.

Attributive use, plural accusative.

Das war eine illegale Tat.

That was an illegal act.

Attributive use, feminine nominative.

Sie haben illegal im Wald gecampt.

They camped illegally in the forest.

Adverbial use modifying 'gecampt'.

Illegale Drogen sind gefährlich.

Illegal drugs are dangerous.

Attributive use, plural nominative.

Er besitzt eine illegale Waffe.

He possesses an illegal weapon.

Attributive use, feminine accusative.

Das Geschäft war illegal.

The business was illegal.

Predicative use in the past tense.

Ich möchte nichts Illegales kaufen.

I don't want to buy anything illegal.

Nominalized adjective after 'nichts'.

Die Polizei stoppte das illegale Autorennen.

The police stopped the illegal car race.

Weak declension, neuter accusative.

Wegen illegaler Downloads bekam er eine Strafe.

Because of illegal downloads, he got a fine.

Genitive plural without an article.

Viele Menschen arbeiten illegal in der Gastronomie.

Many people work illegally in the catering industry.

Adverbial use describing the work.

Es ist illegal, geschützte Tiere zu jagen.

It is illegal to hunt protected animals.

Infinitive clause with 'es ist illegal'.

Sie haben das Geld auf illegale Weise verdient.

They earned the money in an illegal way.

Prepositional phrase with feminine accusative adjective.

Die Regierung kämpft gegen illegale Einwanderung.

The government is fighting against illegal immigration.

Preposition 'gegen' followed by feminine accusative.

Er wurde wegen illegalen Waffenbesitzes verhaftet.

He was arrested for illegal weapon possession.

Genitive masculine compound noun phrase.

Das ist ein Beispiel für ein illegales Kartell.

This is an example of an illegal cartel.

Mixed declension, neuter accusative.

Die Firma wurde wegen illegaler Preisabsprachen verklagt.

The company was sued for illegal price-fixing.

Genitive feminine plural.

Illegalerweise hat er die Dokumente vernichtet.

Illegally, he destroyed the documents.

Sentence-starting adverbial form.

Die Umweltorganisation kritisiert die illegale Müllentsorgung.

The environmental organization criticizes the illegal waste disposal.

Weak declension, feminine accusative.

Es gibt Berichte über illegale Pushbacks an der Grenze.

There are reports of illegal pushbacks at the border.

Strong declension, masculine plural.

Der Sportler wurde wegen eines illegalen Mittels disqualifiziert.

The athlete was disqualified because of an illegal substance.

Genitive neuter after 'wegen'.

Das Gericht stufte die Durchsuchung als illegal ein.

The court classified the search as illegal.

Adjective used with 'als' (no ending).

Sie handelten in einer rechtlich grauen, aber letztlich illegalen Zone.

They acted in a legally gray, but ultimately illegal zone.

Dative feminine adjective after 'in einer'.

Die Verbreitung dieser Software ist absolut illegal.

The distribution of this software is absolutely illegal.

Predicative use with an intensifying adverb.

Die Grenze zwischen legalen und illegalen Handlungen ist oft schmal.

The line between legal and illegal actions is often thin.

Dative plural adjectives used as nouns.

Er wurde des illegalen Handels mit Antiquitäten beschuldigt.

He was accused of illegal trade in antiquities.

Genitive masculine with 'des'.

Die Kläger bezeichneten die staatlichen Maßnahmen als illegal.

The plaintiffs described the state measures as illegal.

Predicative use after 'bezeichnen als'.

Trotz der illegalen Natur des Vorhabens machten sie weiter.

Despite the illegal nature of the project, they continued.

Genitive feminine after 'trotz'.

Die Dokumentation deckt illegale Machenschaften in der Finanzwelt auf.

The documentary uncovers illegal machinations in the financial world.

Strong declension, feminine plural accusative.

Illegal erworbene Beweise dürfen vor Gericht nicht verwendet werden.

Illegally obtained evidence may not be used in court.

Adverbial use modifying a participle (erworben).

Die Debatte dreht sich um die Legalisierung bisher illegaler Substanzen.

The debate revolves around the legalization of previously illegal substances.

Genitive plural after a noun phrase.

Seine Flucht wurde durch eine illegale Organisation unterstützt.

His escape was supported by an illegal organization.

Dative feminine after 'durch eine'.

Die Subsumtion dieser Tat unter den Begriff des Illegalen ist umstritten.

The subsumption of this act under the concept of the illegal is controversial.

Genitive nominalized adjective (des Illegalen).

Es handelt sich um eine eklatante, wenn nicht gar kriminell illegale Handlung.

It is a blatant, if not criminally illegal act.

Double adjective phrase with intensive adverb.

Die vermeintlich legalen Geschäfte entpuppten sich als tiefgreifend illegal.

The supposedly legal businesses turned out to be profoundly illegal.

Adverbial use of 'tiefgreifend' modifying 'illegal'.

Die philosophische Frage nach dem Recht auf Widerstand gegen illegale Staatsgewalt bleibt aktuell.

The philosophical question of the right to resist illegal state power remains relevant.

Accusative feminine after 'gegen'.

Das Urteil markiert einen Wendepunkt im Umgang mit illegaler Softwarenutzung.

The verdict marks a turning point in dealing with illegal software usage.

Dative feminine after 'mit'.

Die Akteure bewegten sich in einem Geflecht aus legalen und illegalen Strukturen.

The actors moved in a web of legal and illegal structures.

Dative plural after 'aus'.

Die völkerrechtliche Bewertung dieser Annexion als illegal ist nahezu einhellig.

The international law assessment of this annexation as illegal is almost unanimous.

Predicative use in a complex noun phrase.

Illegalität ist kein statischer Zustand, sondern unterliegt dem gesellschaftlichen Wandel.

Illegality is not a static state but is subject to social change.

Use of the noun 'Illegalität'.

Collocations courantes

illegaler Download

illegale Einwanderung

illegal handeln

illegale Waffen

illegales Glücksspiel

illegaler Aufenthalt

illegale Drogen

illegale Müllentsorgung

illegale Preisabsprachen

illegal kopieren

Phrases Courantes

Das ist illegal.

— A straightforward statement that something breaks the law. Used in many contexts.

Hör auf damit, das ist illegal!

Etwas illegal erwerben.

— To buy or get something in an unlawful way. Often used for stolen goods.

Er hat das Auto illegal erworben.

Illegal über die Grenze gehen.

— To cross a national border without permission or proper documents.

Sie sind illegal über die Grenze gegangen.

Illegale Geschäfte machen.

— To engage in unlawful business activities. Implies a pattern of behavior.

Man sagt, er macht illegale Geschäfte.

In die Illegalität abtauchen.

— To go 'underground' or start living in a way that avoids law enforcement.

Nach dem Verbrechen ist er in die Illegalität abgetaucht.

Etwas für illegal erklären.

— When an authority, like a court, officially states that something is against the law.

Das Gericht hat das neue Gesetz für illegal erklärt.

Illegale Mittel einsetzen.

— To use unlawful methods to achieve a goal. Often used in politics or business.

Er hat illegale Mittel eingesetzt, um die Wahl zu gewinnen.

Gegen illegale Machenschaften vorgehen.

— To take action against unlawful and usually secret activities.

Die Regierung muss gegen illegale Machenschaften vorgehen.

Ein illegaler Trick.

— A deceptive move that breaks the rules or the law. Can be used colloquially.

Das war ein illegaler Trick beim Kartenspiel.

Illegal geparkt.

— The state of having a vehicle in a place where it is not allowed by law.

Ihr Auto ist illegal geparkt.

Souvent confondu avec

illegal vs verboten

Verboten is used for any rule; illegal is only for laws. You can't say it's 'illegal' to eat in my car if I just don't like it.

illegal vs unlegal

This word does not exist in German. Always use 'illegal'.

illegal vs illegitim

Illegitim refers to something that is not morally or logically justified, whereas illegal refers to the law.

Expressions idiomatiques

"In der Illegalität leben"

— To live without official documents or while hiding from the law. It describes a whole lifestyle.

Er lebte jahrelang in der Illegalität.

neutral

"Ein illegales Ding drehen"

— To commit a crime, often used for a specific, planned act like a robbery. Very colloquial.

Sie wollten ein illegales Ding drehen, aber wurden erwischt.

slang

"Auf illegalen Pfaden wandeln"

— To be involved in unlawful activities. A poetic or metaphorical way of saying someone is a criminal.

Er wandelt schon lange auf illegalen Pfaden.

literary

"Das ist jenseits der Legalität"

— That is beyond legality. A sophisticated way to say something is illegal.

Ihre Methoden sind jenseits der Legalität.

formal

"An der Grenze zur Illegalität"

— On the edge of illegality. Used for things that are barely legal or very suspicious.

Diese Steuerberatung bewegt sich an der Grenze zur Illegalität.

neutral

"Vom legalen Weg abkommen"

— To stray from the legal path. To start doing illegal things.

Er ist leider vom legalen Weg abgekommen.

neutral

"Illegale Ware umschlagen"

— To trade or move illegal goods. Often used in the context of smuggling or drug dealing.

Im Hafen wird oft illegale Ware umgeschlagen.

neutral

"Ein illegaler Einwanderer"

— A person who has entered a country without legal permission. Note: This term is often replaced by 'irregulär' in modern political discourse.

Er wurde als illegaler Einwanderer abgeschoben.

neutral/controversial

"Illegalität bekämpfen"

— To fight against unlawful activities. A common phrase for police and government goals.

Wir müssen die Illegalität in diesem Viertel bekämpfen.

formal

"Etwas illegalerweise tun"

— To do something in an illegal manner. The word 'illegalerweise' acts as a sentence adverb.

Er hat illegalerweise das Schloss geknackt.

neutral

Facile à confondre

illegal vs rechtswidrig

Both mean against the law.

Illegal is common and general; rechtswidrig is specific to legal professionals and courtrooms.

Die Handlung war illegal (general). Das Urteil war rechtswidrig (legal context).

illegal vs gesetzwidrig

Both refer to law-breaking.

Gesetzwidrig specifically points to a written 'Gesetz' (statute).

Das ist ein gesetzwidriges Verhalten.

illegal vs kriminell

Both imply breaking the law.

Kriminell implies a serious crime (Verbrechen) and often refers to the person's character.

Er ist ein krimineller Typ.

illegal vs unzulässig

Both mean not allowed.

Unzulässig means 'not permitted in this specific process' (like a question in court).

Diese Frage ist unzulässig.

illegal vs strafbar

Both relate to law-breaking.

Strafbar means you can specifically be punished (with a fine or prison) for it.

Beleidigung ist strafbar.

Structures de phrases

Das ist [Adjektiv].

Das ist illegal.

Ich habe [Adjektiv+Endung] [Nomen] gesehen.

Ich habe eine illegale Party gesehen.

Es ist illegal, [Infinitiv mit zu].

Es ist illegal, Filme zu kopieren.

Wegen [Adjektiv+Endung] [Nomen]...

Wegen illegaler Downloads bekam er Ärger.

Illegalerweise [Verb] [Subjekt]...

Illegalerweise parkte er sein Auto dort.

[Subjekt] wird als [Adjektiv] eingestuft.

Die Tat wird als illegal eingestuft.

Trotz der [Adjektiv+Endung] Natur von...

Trotz der illegalen Natur von Drogen...

Die Subsumtion unter das [Nominalisiertes Adjektiv]...

Die Subsumtion unter das Illegale ist schwierig.

Famille de mots

Noms

Die Illegalität (illegality)

Der Illegale (the illegal person - note: controversial term)

Verbes

illegalisieren (to make illegal - rare)

Adjectifs

illegal (illegal)

legal (legal)

Apparenté

Das Gesetz (the law)

Die Rechtswidrigkeit (unlawfulness)

Die Kriminalität (criminality)

Das Verbrechen (the crime)

Die Strafe (the punishment)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written German.

Erreurs courantes

Ein illegal Download. → Ein illegaler Download.
You must decline the adjective when it comes before a masculine noun in the nominative case.
Das ist unlegal. → Das ist illegal.
The prefix 'un-' is not used with 'legal'. The only correct negative form is 'illegal'.
Pronouncing it as il-LE-gal. → Pronouncing it as il-le-GAL.
In German, the stress is on the final syllable. Stressing the second syllable sounds like English.
Rauchen im Haus ist illegal. → Rauchen im Haus ist verboten.
Unless there is a specific law against it, house rules should be described as 'verboten', not 'illegal'.
Er hat illegalerweise gehandelt. → Er hat illegal gehandelt.
While 'illegalerweise' is a word, 'illegal' is perfectly sufficient and more common as an adverb modifying a verb.

Astuces

Adjective Endings

Always check the noun's gender. 'Ein illegaler Handel' (masc), 'Eine illegale Tat' (fem), 'Ein illegales Geschäft' (neut). This is the most common mistake for learners.

Stress the End

Remember: il-le-GAL. Practice saying it with other words that rhyme, like 'egal' or 'Regal', to get the rhythm right.

Synonym Power

Learn 'verboten' for small things and 'illegal' for big things. This will make your German sound more natural and precise.

Nominalization

You can turn 'illegal' into a noun: 'etwas Illegales'. Note the capital 'I' and the ending '-es'. This is very useful for saying 'something illegal'.

Cultural Awareness

Germans take the law seriously. Calling something 'illegal' is a strong statement. Use it when you are sure a law is being broken.

Double 'L'

Just like in English, 'illegal' has two 'l's. Don't forget the second one when writing!

News Keywords

When you hear 'illegal' on the news, listen for the noun that follows. It's a great way to learn new vocabulary related to current events.

Adverbial Use

Don't add '-ly'! In German, the adverb is just 'illegal'. 'Er arbeitet illegal.' Simple and direct.

Legal Terms

If you want to sound like a lawyer, use 'rechtswidrig'. It's the 'pro' version of 'illegal'.

Ill Eagle

Imagine an 'ill eagle' (a sick eagle) that can't follow the 'legal' rules of the sky. It's 'illegal'!

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of the word 'Legal' and just add 'IL' at the beginning. In German, remember the 'GAL' at the end sounds like a 'GAL-axy' of laws you are breaking. il-le-GAL!

Association visuelle

Imagine a red 'STOP' sign on top of a book of laws. The book has the word 'illegal' written in big, bold letters across the cover.

Word Web

Gesetz Polizei Strafe Gefängnis Richter Anwalt Verbot Kriminalität

Défi

Try to find three things in your daily life that are 'illegal' in Germany but might be 'legal' somewhere else, and write them down using the word.

Origine du mot

The word 'illegal' comes from the Latin 'illegalis'. It is composed of the prefix 'in-' (meaning 'not') and 'legalis' (meaning 'legal' or 'pertaining to the law').

Sens originel : Not according to the law; contrary to the rules of a state.

Indo-European -> Italic -> Romance (via Latin) -> Adopted into Germanic languages.

Contexte culturel

The term 'illegaler Einwanderer' is considered offensive by many; 'Mensch ohne geregelten Aufenthaltsstatus' or 'irregulärer Migrant' are preferred in sensitive contexts.

In English-speaking countries, 'illegal' is used similarly, but the German 'verboten' is often more commonly used for minor infractions where an American might say 'that's illegal'.

The song 'Illegal' by Shakira (popular in Germany). German TV crime series like 'Tatort' frequently use the word. Political slogans regarding 'illegale Migration'.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Road Traffic

illegal wenden
illegal parken
illegales Rennen
illegaler Umbau

Internet & Tech

illegaler Download
illegales Streaming
Software illegal kopieren
illegale Inhalte

Work & Finance

illegale Beschäftigung
illegale Preisabsprache
Geld illegal waschen
illegale Konten

Environment

illegale Müllkippe
illegale Abholzung
illegaler Giftmüll
illegale Jagd

Politics & Society

illegale Einwanderung
illegale Demonstration
illegale Überwachung
illegale Parteispende

Amorces de conversation

"Findest du, dass illegale Downloads hart bestraft werden sollten?"

"Hast du schon mal jemanden gesehen, der illegal geparkt hat?"

"Was ist in deinem Land illegal, was hier in Deutschland legal ist?"

"Glaubst du, dass es Situationen gibt, in denen es okay ist, illegal zu handeln?"

"Wie geht man in deiner Heimat gegen illegale Müllentsorgung vor?"

Sujets d'écriture

Schreiben Sie über eine Regel, die Sie für unnötig halten. Ist es illegal, sie zu brechen?

Beschreiben Sie einen Film, in dem die Hauptperson etwas Illegales tut. Warum macht sie das?

Diskutieren Sie die Vor- und Nachteile von strengen Gesetzen gegen illegale Arbeit.

Reflektieren Sie über die Bedeutung von 'Recht und Ordnung' in Ihrer Kultur im Vergleich zu Deutschland.

Stellen Sie sich vor, Sie wären ein Polizist. Welches illegale Verhalten würden Sie am strengsten bestrafen?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, for the most part, the meaning is identical. However, in German, you must decline the word when it's an adjective before a noun, and the stress is on the last syllable. For example, 'ein illegaler Download' instead of just 'illegal download'.

'Verboten' is a general term for 'forbidden' and can apply to house rules or parental advice. 'Illegal' specifically means a violation of the law of the land. You would say 'Rauchen ist hier verboten' but 'Drogenhandel ist illegal'.

The stress is on the last syllable: il-le-GAL. The 'a' is long, like in the English word 'father'. Avoid stressing the second syllable as you would in English.

Yes, you can. When used as an adverb, it does not take any endings. For example: 'Er hat die Software illegal kopiert.' This tells us the manner in which the action was performed.

'Illegalerweise' is a sentence adverb meaning 'illegally'. It is often used at the beginning of a sentence to describe the nature of the entire action: 'Illegalerweise hat er die Grenze überquert.'

This is a controversial term in Germany. While it is sometimes used in news, it is often seen as dehumanizing. More neutral terms like 'Mensch ohne Aufenthaltsstatus' or 'irregulärer Migrant' are preferred in formal or sensitive discussions.

No, 'unlegal' is not a word in German. The correct term is always 'illegal'. The opposite is 'legal'.

Use 'rechtswidrig' in very formal or legal writing. For example, if you are writing a law paper or a formal complaint about a court decision. In daily life, 'illegal' is perfectly fine.

Yes, as an adjective it follows the plural declension rules. For example: 'die illegalen Handlungen' (the illegal acts) or 'mit illegalen Mitteln' (with illegal means).

Yes, it is very common. You will hear it in the news every day and see it in newspapers. It is an essential word for anyone reaching the B1 level of German.

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