German Conversation · Level 158
30 words
German word
vorschreiben
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈfoːɐ̯ˌʃʁaɪ̯bən/
Meaning
- verbrequire
Example
Die Firma schreibt das Tragen eines Helms vor.
The company requires helmets to be worn.
More examples
Die Universität schreibt regelmäßige Anwesenheit vor.
The university requires regular attendance.
Core concept
A rule is written ahead of someone, leaving little room for personal choice.
Common phrases
jemandem etwas vorschreiben
require something of someone
Regeln vorschreiben
stipulate rules
das Tragen von Schutzkleidung vorschreiben
require the wearing of protective clothing
Similar words
verordnen: An official rule makes an action obligatory and ensures it is obeyed.
anordnen: An authoritative order requires a specific action.
verpflichten: A contract or agreement makes an action a binding duty.
festlegen: A standard or procedure is clearly defined in advance.
Definition in German
Jemandem etwas als verbindliche Regel auferlegen.
Word origin
The separable compound combines vor, meaning 'ahead' or 'before', with schreiben, 'write', and developed from setting something down in advance to prescribing it as binding.
Usage tips
- In a finite main clause, vor separates from the verb, as in 'Die Firma schreibt das Tragen eines Helms vor'; the infinitive is 'vorschreiben'.
Other meanings
- stipulateverb
- prescribeverb
Related words
- Vorschriftregulationnoun
- vorgeschriebenprescribedadjective