befolgen
follow
Etwas tun, wie es gesagt oder vorgeschrieben ist.
Definition & meaning
befolgen means to follow, obey, or comply with an instruction, rule, order, recommendation, or advice.
It usually takes an accusative object:
- eine Regel befolgen — to follow a rule
- einen Befehl befolgen — to obey an order
- Anweisungen befolgen — to follow instructions
The verb often emphasizes carrying out something that has been prescribed or requested.
Example:
Bitte befolgen Sie die Anweisungen. — Please follow the instructions.
Grammar & Word origin
befolgen is a regular, inseparable verb:
- infinitive: befolgen
- third-person singular present: befolgt
- simple past: befolgte
- past participle: befolgt
- auxiliary verb: haben
It is formed from the prefix be- and folgen , meaning “to follow.” The prefix be- makes the verb transitive, so the thing being followed is expressed in the accusative.
Unlike separable verbs, befolgen does not split in a main clause:
Er befolgt die Regeln. — He follows the rules.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
- gehorchen — to obey; usually refers to obeying a person or authority and takes the dative: dem Lehrer gehorchen.
- einhalten — to keep, observe, or comply with rules, deadlines, agreements, or limits. It focuses more on respecting a specified standard.
- ausführen — to carry out or execute an order or instruction; it emphasizes the actual performance of the action.
- beachten — to observe or pay attention to a rule, warning, or instruction. It can imply taking something into consideration rather than fully carrying it out.
Antonyms
- missachten — to disregard or deliberately fail to respect a rule, order, or authority.
- ignorieren — to ignore something, without necessarily implying an open act of disobedience.
- verletzen — to violate or break a rule, law, agreement, or obligation.
Common phrases & collocations
- eine Regel befolgen — to follow a rule
- einen Befehl befolgen — to obey an order
- Anweisungen befolgen — to follow instructions
- Sicherheitsvorschriften befolgen — to comply with safety regulations
- den Rat eines Arztes befolgen — to follow a doctor’s advice
- die Vorschriften befolgen — to comply with regulations
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Examples
Du musst die Regeln befolgen.verb
You must follow the rules.
Man soll alle Vorschriften befolgen.verb
One should follow all the regulations.
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