German Conversation · Level 166
30 words
German word
gebieten
Pronunciation
IPA/gəˈbiːtən/
Meaning
- verborder
Example
Der General gebietet den Truppen, sofort vorzurücken.
The general orders the troops to advance immediately.
More examples
Die Höflichkeit gebietet, die Gäste zuerst zu begrüßen.
Politeness requires greeting the guests first.
Core concept
A ruler or official marks an action as binding for the person or group addressed.
Common phrases
Die Höflichkeit gebietet Zurückhaltung
Politeness requires restraint
das Gewissen gebietet Ehrlichkeit
Conscience requires honesty
die Situation gebietet Zurückhaltung
The situation requires restraint
Similar words
befehlen: Give a direct command backed by authority and expect it to be obeyed.
anordnen: Officially order a measure or procedure from a position of authority.
anweisen: Give specific instructions for carrying out a task or piece of work.
vorschreiben: Set required actions or procedures through laws or rules.
Definition in German
in gehobener oder formeller Sprache anordnen, dass jemand etwas tut; jemandem zur Ausführung einer Handlung auffordern.
Word origin
The modern verb continues Middle High German gebieten and Old High German gibietan, forms related to bieten rather than a later Latin or French borrowing.
Usage tips
- The construction is gebieten jemandem, etwas zu tun, so the person receiving the order is in the dative and the action uses zu plus infinitive.