legitimieren
Translation
to legitimize, to legitimate, to authorize, to justify
Examples
Er versucht, seine Handlung zu legitimieren.
He is trying to legitimize his action.
Ein Ausweis legitimiert den Inhaber.
An ID card authorizes the holder.
Das Kind wurde nachträglich legitimiert.
The child was legitimized subsequently.
Grammar Patterns
((et4)) to legitimize/justify (sth.) Er versucht, seine Handlung zu legitimieren.
sich ((als et4)) to prove one's identity/authority (as sth.) Der Polizist legitimierte sich durch seinen Ausweis.
Similar Words
rechtfertigen (to justify), anerkennen (to recognize), autorisieren (to authorize)
Etymology
From Latin 'legitimus' (lawful), related to 'lex' (law).
Memory Tips
Think of the English word 'legitimate'. It's about making something legally or morally right or acceptable.