Today’s word pulls double duty. The German noun Recht means both right (as in "you are right") and law (as in legal rights). It appears in debates, polite conversation, politics, and philosophy — as well as in legal and bureaucratic contexts.

Recht is a neuter noun, so the correct article is das — das Recht. Not sure how to keep der / die / das straight? Our quick and surprisingly helpful 5-minute video lesson will give you confidence with gender — fast.

Real conversations where Recht might come up

This word pops up constantly in conversation — not only when talking about legal matters, but also when agreeing or disagreeing. If someone says something smart or correct, a simple Du hast recht is an easy way to agree.

– Ich glaube, das ist zu teuer.
– Ja, da hast du recht.
(“I think that’s too expensive.” – “Yeah, you’re right.”)

Beginner sample dialogue

Paul: Ich glaube, der Film kommt morgen.
Nina: Nein, heute schon!
Paul: Ach so… du hast recht.

(Paul: I think the movie’s on tomorrow.
Nina: No, it’s today already!
Paul: Oh right… you’re right.)

Grammar in action: How to use Recht

• Nominative: Das Recht ist auf meiner Seite.
  (The law is on my side.)

• Accusative: Ich habe ein Recht auf Urlaub.
  (I have a right to vacation.)

• Dative: Das steht im Einklang mit dem Recht.
  (That’s in line with the law.)

• Genitive: Die Grenzen des Rechts sind umstritten.
  (The limits of the law are controversial.)

Cases got you confused? Our easy German grammar course explains it all without jargon — ideal for people who want to get it without getting stuck.

Other ways to use Recht in German

Here are a few of the many expressions and related words:

• recht haben – to be right

• im Recht sein – to be in the right (morally or legally)

• Recht auf ... – right to something (Recht auf Bildung = right to education)

• Recht und Ordnung – law and order

• das deutsche Rechtssystem – the German legal system

• Menschenrechte – human rights

• Rechtsanwalt – lawyer (literally: "right-answerer")

And note the adjective form:

• rechtlich – legal, lawful

• rechtzeitig – on time, in good time

• rechts – to the right (spatial)

Word variations and tidbits

Recht goes deep in German. It’s used not only in courtrooms but in everyday fairness, political theory, and even casual opinions. You’ll also hear:

• Du hast vollkommen recht. – You’re absolutely right.

• Das ist nicht dein gutes Recht. – That’s not your rightful claim.

• Ich geb dir (nicht) recht. – I (don’t) agree with you.

And yes, it plays a role in compound nouns like:

• Rechtswissenschaft – legal studies

• Rechtsstaat – constitutional state

• Urheberrecht – copyright

• Verkehrsrecht – traffic law

Duden entry:
https://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/Recht

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