Gesetze befolgen
To obey laws
字面意思: Laws to follow
Use this phrase to describe following formal legal rules in professional or civic contexts.
15秒了解
- To follow the legal rules of a country or state.
- Used for formal duties like taxes, traffic, and civic responsibilities.
- Reflects the German cultural value of order and social cooperation.
意思
This phrase is all about being a law-abiding citizen. It means you are doing exactly what the legal system requires of you without cutting corners.
关键例句
3 / 6Discussing traffic rules with a friend
Es ist wichtig, im Straßenverkehr die Gesetze zu befolgen.
It is important to obey the laws in road traffic.
A lawyer giving advice to a client
Sie müssen alle lokalen Gesetze befolgen, um Probleme zu vermeiden.
You must obey all local laws to avoid problems.
Texting a friend about a strict park ranger
Der Ranger war streng, wir mussten jedes Gesetz befolgen!
The ranger was strict, we had to obey every law!
文化背景
In Germany, 'Ordnung muss sein' (There must be order) is a cultural pillar. Obeying laws is seen as a civic duty that ensures the high quality of public life. This mindset dates back to the Prussian era and remains a point of pride for many citizens today.
The 'Holding' Alternative
If 'befolgen' feels too stiff, use 'sich an die Gesetze halten'. It is the most natural way to say it in conversation.
Don't be too legalistic
Avoid using this for social etiquette. If you say you 'befolge Gesetze' at a party, people might think you are a robot or a lawyer.
15秒了解
- To follow the legal rules of a country or state.
- Used for formal duties like taxes, traffic, and civic responsibilities.
- Reflects the German cultural value of order and social cooperation.
What It Means
Gesetze befolgen is the standard way to say you are obeying the law. It sounds a bit official but is used in everyday life too. It implies a sense of duty and order. You aren't just following a suggestion. You are adhering to the formal rules of the land. It is the hallmark of being a 'good citizen' in a structured society.
How To Use It
You treat befolgen as a regular verb. It takes the accusative case for the laws you are following. You can say Ich befolge das Gesetz or Wir müssen Gesetze befolgen. It is a direct way to express compliance. Use it when talking about taxes, traffic, or general legal duties. It makes you sound responsible and serious about your actions.
When To Use It
Use this when discussing legal requirements or social responsibilities. It fits perfectly in a news discussion about new regulations. You might use it when explaining why you can't do something illegal to a friend. It also works in professional settings like a job interview. If someone asks about your ethics, this phrase is your best friend. It shows you respect the system.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this for small, informal rules at home. If your roommate wants you to wash dishes, don't say you are 'obeying the law.' Use Regeln einhalten for house rules or games. Gesetze befolgen is too heavy for a board game night. Also, don't use it for religious 'laws' unless they are also state laws. It sounds too much like a courtroom for a casual dinner party.
Cultural Background
Germany is famous for its love of order and 'Ordnung'. The phrase Gesetze befolgen is deeply tied to the concept of 'Recht und Ordnung'. Following the law isn't just a suggestion; it is a social contract. Many Germans feel that if everyone follows the rules, life runs smoothly for everyone. It is less about fear of punishment and more about collective efficiency. It is why you might see people waiting for a red light at 3 AM.
Common Variations
You will often hear sich an Gesetze halten. This is a bit more common in spoken German. It means 'to stick to the laws.' Another variation is Gesetze einhalten, which is very similar to befolgen. If you want to sound very formal, you could use den Gesetzen Folge leisten. That one is mostly for police reports or very old books.
使用说明
The phrase is neutral to formal. It is perfectly safe to use in a professional email or a casual conversation about the news, but avoid it for minor household rules.
The 'Holding' Alternative
If 'befolgen' feels too stiff, use 'sich an die Gesetze halten'. It is the most natural way to say it in conversation.
Don't be too legalistic
Avoid using this for social etiquette. If you say you 'befolge Gesetze' at a party, people might think you are a robot or a lawyer.
The Red Man Secret
In many German cities, even if the road is empty, people wait for the 'Ampelmännchen' to turn green. This is 'Gesetze befolgen' in its purest physical form!
例句
6Es ist wichtig, im Straßenverkehr die Gesetze zu befolgen.
It is important to obey the laws in road traffic.
A common, practical application of the phrase.
Sie müssen alle lokalen Gesetze befolgen, um Probleme zu vermeiden.
You must obey all local laws to avoid problems.
Very standard professional usage.
Der Ranger war streng, wir mussten jedes Gesetz befolgen!
The ranger was strict, we had to obey every law!
Slightly hyperbolic use in a casual text.
Ich bin so langweilig, ich befolge sogar Gesetze, die es gar nicht gibt.
I'm so boring, I even obey laws that don't even exist.
Self-deprecating humor about being a rule-follower.
Jeder Bürger hat die Pflicht, die Gesetze zu befolgen.
Every citizen has the duty to obey the laws.
A strong, principled statement about society.
Ich versuche nur, die Gesetze zu befolgen, aber es ist so kompliziert!
I'm just trying to obey the laws, but it's so complicated!
Shows the emotional side of dealing with rules.
自我测试
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
In Deutschland muss man die ___ ___.
The phrase 'Gesetze befolgen' means to obey the laws, which is the standard requirement in a country.
Choose the best verb to complete the professional advice.
Als Firma müssen wir alle steuerlichen Gesetze ___.
In a corporate context, 'befolgen' is the correct verb for adhering to tax laws.
🎉 得分： /2
视觉学习工具
Formality of 'Gesetze befolgen'
Using 'sich an Regeln halten' for chores.
Halt dich an die Regeln!
Standard way to talk about legal duties.
Wir befolgen die Gesetze.
Legal or bureaucratic language.
Den Gesetzen Folge leisten.
When to use 'Gesetze befolgen'
Driving
Following speed limits.
Taxes
Filing your tax return correctly.
Work
Adhering to safety regulations.
News
Discussing new government policies.
常见问题
11 个问题Not exactly. Gesetze are formal laws passed by a government, while Regeln can be any rules, like in a game or at home.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends if you are talking about actual laws, like Ich befolge die Verkehrsgesetze (I follow traffic laws).
Usually, no. For religious rules, you would use Gebote halten or Vorschriften beachten.
They are very similar. Befolgen sounds a bit more like active obedience, while einhalten sounds like staying within the limits of the law.
No, befolgen is an inseparable verb. You say Ich befolge, not Ich folge be.
The opposite is gegen das Gesetz verstoßen or simply das Gesetz brechen.
Yes, it is very common in journalism when discussing whether citizens or companies are acting legally.
Yes! You can Anweisungen befolgen (follow instructions), which uses the same verb logic.
It takes the accusative case. For example: Er befolgt das Gesetz (He obeys the law).
Not really. Slang usually focuses on breaking the law. To be law-abiding is usually expressed neutrally.
At B1, you start discussing society and opinions. This phrase is essential for talking about rights and duties.
相关表达
Sich an die Regeln halten
Das Gesetz brechen
Vorschriften beachten
Recht und Ordnung
Gesetzestreu sein
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