German Conversation · Level 192
30 words
German word
ahnden
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈaːndn̩/
Meaning
- verbpunish
Example
Die Behörden ahnden Verstöße gegen die Regeln sofort.
The authorities punish breaches of the rules at once.
More examples
Die Gerichte ahnden Steuerhinterziehung konsequent.
The courts consistently punish tax evasion.
Core concept
An authority turns a documented violation into a formal punishment, often a financial one.
Common phrases
Verstöße ahnden
punish violations
Ordnungswidrigkeiten ahnden
punish regulatory offenses
mit einer Geldstrafe ahnden
punish with a fine
Similar words
bestrafen: Punish a violation, offense, or crime.
verhängen: Officially impose a fine or another penalty.
sanktionieren: Apply a punitive sanction to a violation.
verurteilen: Find someone guilty in court and impose a sentence.
Definition in German
durch Behörden oder Gerichte gegen Regelverstöße Strafen, besonders Bußgelder, verhängen
Word origin
The verb comes from Middle High German anden and retained its connection with reacting to conduct regarded as wrong or punishable.
Usage tips
- English 'sanction' can mean either penalize or authorize, but German ahnden has only the punitive sense.
Other meanings
- penalizeverb
- sanctionverb
Opposites
- belohnenrewardverb
- begnadigenpardonverb
Related words
- Ahndungpunishmentnoun
- ahndbarpunishableadjective