Ermessensentscheidung
discretionary decision; official decision made within a margin of permitted choice
noun er-MES-ens-ent-shy-doong Rare
Usage Note
Ermessensentscheidung is an official decision where the authority has leeway (Ermessen) rather than being bound by a precise rule. Courts may only review whether discretion was exercised lawfully — not substitute their own judgment. Plural: Ermessensentscheidungen.
Examples
"Bei der Vergabe des Platzes handelte es sich um eine Ermessensentscheidung."
Natural Translation
The allocation of the place was a discretionary decision.
Literal Translation
With the allocation of the place it concerned a discretionary decision.
Related Words
- Abmahnschreiben formal warning letter (demanding cessation of unlawful conduct)
- Abschiebung deportation
- Akteneinsicht access to files
- Amtsgericht local court
- Amtspflicht official duty; duty of care owed by a public official
- Anfechtungsklage action for annulment
- Angeklagte defendant
- Anhörung hearing; right to be heard (before a decision is made)
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