Learn German: Wir haben offiziell die Erlaubnis, das Graffiti hier zu sprühen. - We officially have the permission to spray the graffiti here.

The phrase die Erlaubnis haben (to have permission) acts as a formal alternative to the modal verb dürfen (to be allowed to). If you used the modal verb, the sentence would be: Wir dürfen das Graffiti offiziell hier sprühen. Using a noun phrase instead of a modal verb often sounds more official or bureaucratic, which is why it is taught at the B2 level.

Why is there a comma before das Graffiti hier zu sprühen?

This part of the sentence is an extended infinitive clause, meaning it contains an infinitive verb with zu alongside other elements like the object das Graffiti. When an infinitive clause further describes a specific noun in the main clause, such as die Erlaubnis, German grammar requires a comma to separate them.

Could we use offiziell as an adjective instead of an adverb here?

Yes! In this sentence, offiziell acts as an adverb modifying the verb haben, meaning we officially have the permission. You could also use it as an adjective and say Wir haben die offizielle Erlaubnis (We have the official permission). Both are completely natural, but our version emphasizes the official status of the having rather than the permission itself.

What is the gender of the word Graffiti in German?