15 सेकंड में
- To officially approve a request or a permit.
- Reflexive use means to treat yourself to food or drink.
- Commonly used for a cheeky beer or a well-deserved snack.
मतलब
While it officially means to approve or authorize something, Germans also use it playfully to mean treating yourself to a drink or a snack.
मुख्य उदाहरण
3 / 7At a business meeting
Der Vorstand muss das Budget erst noch genehmigen.
The board still has to approve the budget.
After a long hike with friends
Jetzt genehmigen wir uns erst mal ein kühles Radler!
Now we're going to treat ourselves to a cold shandy!
Texting a partner about vacation
Mein Urlaubsantrag wurde endlich genehmigt!
My vacation request was finally approved!
सांस्कृतिक पृष्ठभूमि
The 'Feierabendbier' is a cultural institution. Using 'genehmigen' for this beer adds a layer of 'deservedness'—as if the day's work has officially earned the right to drink. In Austria, 'genehmigen' is often used in coffee house culture. It sounds slightly more 'bourgeois' (bürgerlich) and fits the elegant atmosphere of Vienna. Swiss German uses 'bewilligen' more frequently in official contexts, but 'genehmigen' is perfectly understood and used in High German contexts. The 'Genehmigungsweg' (approval path) is a dreaded but respected part of German office life. It refers to the hierarchy a document must pass through.
The 'Wink' Factor
Use 'sich etwas genehmigen' when you want to sound like a sophisticated 'Bonvivant' (someone who enjoys life). It makes you sound very native.
Don't over-bureaucratize
Don't use 'genehmigen' for everything. If you are just giving a friend a cookie, 'Hier, nimm' is better.
15 सेकंड में
- To officially approve a request or a permit.
- Reflexive use means to treat yourself to food or drink.
- Commonly used for a cheeky beer or a well-deserved snack.
What It Means
Genehmigen is a word with two personalities. In a professional setting, it is the official stamp of approval. It means a boss or an authority says 'yes' to your request. However, in daily life, it takes a charming turn. When you say you are going to sich etwas genehmigen, you are basically saying you're treating yourself. It is most commonly used for a cold beer or a nice piece of cake after a long day.
How To Use It
If you are at work, use it as a standard verb: Der Chef hat den Urlaub genehmigt. This is straightforward. But for the fun version, you need the reflexive form: sich + etwas + genehmigen. You are the one doing the approving for yourself. It sounds a bit more sophisticated than just saying 'I am eating this.' It implies you have earned it. Use it when you are about to indulge in something slightly 'naughty' but delicious.
When To Use It
Use the formal version in emails regarding permits, holidays, or budgets. It sounds professional and final. Use the informal version when you are sitting on a terrace with friends. It is perfect for that moment when the waiter asks if you want another round. You look at your friend, wink, and say, 'Ich genehmige mir noch eins.' It also works well when you are alone and decide that, yes, you definitely deserve that second donut.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use the reflexive 'treating myself' version in a serious job interview. If you say Ich genehmige mir gerne ein Bier, they might think you have a drinking problem rather than a sense of humor. Also, avoid using it for serious life decisions. You don't genehmigen a marriage or a house purchase. It is for permissions or small, consumable pleasures. Using it for a salad feels a bit wrong—it needs to be something worth 'approving.'
Cultural Background
Germans love rules, but they also love the irony of being their own authority. By using a bureaucratic word like genehmigen for a glass of Riesling, you are making a little joke. You are playing the role of a strict official who has looked at your 'request' for wine and granted it. It reflects the German appreciation for structure, even when they are relaxing. It is a linguistic way of saying, 'I have permission to enjoy life.'
Common Variations
In very formal legal contexts, you might see Genehmigung (the noun for permit). In casual speech, you might hear people say sich einen genehmigen without even naming the object. Everyone knows you mean a drink. You might also hear absegnen, which is like 'to give the blessing,' but that is more about people agreeing than you treating yourself. Stick to genehmigen for that perfect balance of class and indulgence.
इस्तेमाल की जानकारी
In its reflexive form, it sits perfectly between formal and informal. It's safe for a dinner with your boss but also works at a backyard BBQ.
The 'Wink' Factor
Use 'sich etwas genehmigen' when you want to sound like a sophisticated 'Bonvivant' (someone who enjoys life). It makes you sound very native.
Don't over-bureaucratize
Don't use 'genehmigen' for everything. If you are just giving a friend a cookie, 'Hier, nimm' is better.
The Passive Voice
In German offices, people love the passive: 'Ist das schon genehmigt?' sounds more professional than 'Hat der Chef das genehmigt?'
Dative Check
Always remember: mir, dir, sich. Never 'mich genehmigen'!
उदाहरण
7Der Vorstand muss das Budget erst noch genehmigen.
The board still has to approve the budget.
Standard professional usage for official authorization.
Jetzt genehmigen wir uns erst mal ein kühles Radler!
Now we're going to treat ourselves to a cold shandy!
Reflexive use showing a reward after effort.
Mein Urlaubsantrag wurde endlich genehmigt!
My vacation request was finally approved!
Passive voice usage for official news.
Ich genehmige mir noch ein Stück Schokolade.
I'm treating myself to one more piece of chocolate.
Playful way to justify a small indulgence.
Ich würde mir gerne einen Gin Tonic genehmigen.
I would like to treat myself to a Gin and Tonic.
Sounds more elegant than just saying 'I want'.
Können Sie diesen Bauplan genehmigen?
Can you approve this construction plan?
Direct request for official permission.
Komm, wir genehmigen uns jetzt ein großes Eis.
Come on, let's treat ourselves to a big ice cream now.
Using food as a small emotional 'approval' to feel better.
खुद को परखो
Fill in the correct reflexive pronoun (Dative).
Nach der harten Arbeit genehmige ich ______ ein großes Eis.
The reflexive use of 'genehmigen' always takes the Dative pronoun.
Which sentence is used in a formal office context?
Which one is correct?
This sentence describes a formal approval of a budget by a board.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of genehmigen.
A: 'Wann wird mein Urlaub endlich ______?' B: 'Der Chef hat ihn gerade ______.'
Both require the past participle 'genehmigt' (passive and perfect tense).
Match the sentence to the situation.
Sentence: 'Darf ich mir noch ein Gläschen genehmigen?'
This is a polite, slightly formal way to ask for another drink at a social event.
🎉 स्कोर: /4
विज़ुअल लर्निंग टूल्स
Genehmigen vs. Gönnen
अभ्यास बैंक
4 अभ्यासNach der harten Arbeit genehmige ich ______ ein großes Eis.
The reflexive use of 'genehmigen' always takes the Dative pronoun.
Which one is correct?
This sentence describes a formal approval of a budget by a board.
A: 'Wann wird mein Urlaub endlich ______?' B: 'Der Chef hat ihn gerade ______.'
Both require the past participle 'genehmigt' (passive and perfect tense).
Sentence: 'Darf ich mir noch ein Gläschen genehmigen?'
This is a polite, slightly formal way to ask for another drink at a social event.
🎉 स्कोर: /4
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
10 सवालNo, but it's very common for it. You can also 'genehmigen' yourself a piece of cake, a cigar, or even a nap (ein {das|n} Schläfchen).
'Genehmigen' is formal/official (like a permit). 'Erlauben' is general (like a parent allowing a child to play).
Yes, especially for 'treat' foods like sweets or a heavy meal.
It depends on your relationship. If you are having a drink together after work, it's fine. In a formal meeting, avoid it.
You use 'ungenehmigt'. For example: 'ein ungenehmigtes {das|n} Plakat' (an unauthorized poster).
Mostly, but 'Genehmigung' is the physical or official document/act, whereas 'Erlaubnis' is the concept of permission.
Because it's a 'stiff' word used for a 'relaxed' action. It's like wearing a tuxedo to eat a burger.
Yes: 'Ich genehmigte mir gestern ein {das|n} Bier.' (Though in speech, we prefer 'Ich habe mir... genehmigt').
No, it takes a direct Accusative object.
Yes, but they also use 'bewilligen' very frequently for official permits.
संबंधित मुहावरे
bewilligen
synonymto grant/approve (often funds)
erlauben
similarto allow
sich etwas gönnen
similarto treat oneself
absegnen
informalto rubber-stamp / give the final nod
stattgeben
specialized formto grant (a request/appeal)
