vorschreiben
dictate · prescribe
Jemandem sagen, was er tun oder lassen muss.
The German word "vorschreiben" is a verb composed of the root word "schreiben" (to write) and the prefix "vor-" (before, in advance). It means "to prescribe," "to dictate," or "to lay down rules" — basically, to specify or order something in advance, often as a rule or obligation.
Similar words:
- festlegen (to determine, to fix)
- vorgaben (to set guidelines)
- anordnen (to order, to arrange)
Difference:
- "vorschreiben" often implies formal or official rules or instructions that must be followed.
- "festlegen" or "vorgaben" can be more general decisions or guidelines, not always mandatory.
- "anordnen" emphasizes ordering or commanding and can be broader than just writing rules.
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Examples
Du darfst mir nicht vorschreiben, was ich zu tun habe.verb
You may not dictate to me what I have to do.
Niemand schreibt dir deine Reiseroute vor.verb
No one prescribes your travel route to you.
Lehrer schreiben oft Regeln für die Klasse vor.verb
Teachers often prescribe rules for the class.
Die Firma schreibt ihren Mitarbeitern feste Arbeitszeiten vor.verb
The company prescribes fixed working hours for its employees.
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