German word

Weisung

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈvaɪ̯zʊŋ/

Meaning

  • feminine nouninstruction

Example

Der Chef gab mir eine Weisung.

The boss gave me an instruction.

Illustration for Weisung (instruction)

More examples

Er widersetzte sich der Weisung und handelte eigenständig.

He defied the directive and acted independently.

Core concept

An authority places a clear path through a task in front of the person who must follow it.

Common phrases

  • eine Weisung entgegennehmen

    receive an instruction

  • eine Weisung beachten

    follow an instruction

  • eine Weisung zur Kenntnis nehmen

    take note of an instruction

Similar words

Anweisung: Detailed practical guidance on the steps or method required for a task.
Befehl: A brief, forceful command that demands obedience in an authoritative setting.
Auftrag: A task or mission assigned for someone to carry out with a defined purpose.
Anordnung: An official order that specifies how work or duties must be arranged or performed.

Definition in German

Als Weisung gilt eine formelle Anordnung einer vorgesetzten Stelle, die konkret vorgibt, welche Schritte bei einer Aufgabe zu erfolgen haben.

Word origin

The noun Weisung is formed from weisen, 'to show or point', plus -ung, which forms nouns for actions or results.

Usage tips

  • Weisung has a formal, official tone, so Anweisung is often more natural for an ordinary workplace instruction.

Other meanings

  • ordernoun
  • directivenoun

Opposites

Related words

  • Weisungsempfängerinstruction recipientnoun
  • weisungsfreifree from instructionsadjective

Word lists with this word