German Conversation · Level 120
45 words
German word
befehlen
Pronunciation
IPA/bəˈfeːlən/
Meaning
- verborder
Example
Die Mutter befahl dem Kind, das Zimmer aufzuräumen.
The mother ordered the child to tidy the room.
More examples
Kinder sollten einander nicht befehlen.
Children should not order each other around.
Core concept
An authority hands down a required task to a specific person.
Common phrases
einem Untergebenen etwas befehlen
order a subordinate to do something
Similar words
anweisen: Give specific instructions about how a task should be carried out.
anordnen: Officially order a specific action or measure.
auffordern: Formally urge someone to take a particular action.
verlangen: Strongly demand an action or submission based on a right or claim.
Definition in German
förmlich oder offiziell anordnen, dass jemand etwas tun muss.
Word origin
German befehlen comes from Middle High German bevelhen and earlier Germanic forms meaning roughly to entrust or hand over.
Usage tips
- The person receiving the order is in the dative, as in jemandem befehlen, etwas zu tun.