German Conversation · Level 177
29 words
German word
untersagen
Pronunciation
IPA/ʊntɐˈzaːgn̩/
Meaning
- verbforbid
Example
Der Chef untersagt den Mitarbeitern das Rauchen.
The boss forbids the employees from smoking.
More examples
Die Schule untersagt den Schülern das Mitbringen von Handys.
The school forbids students from bringing mobile phones.
Core concept
An authority draws a firm line that an intended action cannot cross.
Common phrases
untersagen jemandem etwas
forbid someone from ___
untersagen das Rauchen
forbid smoking
Similar words
verbieten: To ban an action or matter in official or everyday situations.
erlauben: To allow an action by approving it as permissible.
Definition in German
durch eine offizielle Anweisung einer Person oder Behörde verhindern, dass jemand etwas tut
Word origin
The Germanic verb untersagen developed from unter- and sagen, with the prefix contributing a restrictive sense rather than its usual spatial meaning.
Usage tips
- The usual pattern is jemandem etwas untersagen, with the person in the dative and the prohibited action in the accusative.