to penalize
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to penalize
To officially punish an offense, crime, or violation of rules. The term is used mainly in formal, legal, or administrative contexts.
Falschparken wird in dieser Zone mit einem hohen Bußgeld geahndet.
Illegal parking is penalized with a high fine in this zone.
'Ahnden' (to penalize) is a very formal word used almost exclusively in official and legal language. In normal everyday speech, you would more likely say 'bestrafen' (to punish).
Die Behörden ahnden Verstöße gegen die neuen Umweltauflagen.
The authorities penalize violations of the new environmental regulations.
The verb is typically carried out by an authority (police, court, public agency). The object is always a negative action, for example 'ein Vergehen' (an offense), 'ein Verstoß' (a violation), or 'eine Ordnungswidrigkeit' (an administrative offense).
Die Polizei ahndet Geschwindigkeitsüberschreitungen konsequent.
The police consistently penalize speeding violations.
'Ahnden' (to penalize) is very often used in the passive to emphasize the act of punishment without naming the person or authority carrying it out. The penalty is often introduced with the preposition 'mit' (with).
Ein Verstoß gegen das Gesetz wird mit einer Geldstrafe geahndet.
A violation of the law is penalized with a fine.
to follow / pursue
'strafrechtlich verfolgen' (to prosecute) and 'ahnden' (to penalize) both belong to the area of law, punishment, and authorities. But they do not mean the same thing. 'Verfolgen' describes more of the legal process: a criminal offense is investigated, charged, and brought before a court. 'Ahnden' means that an offense is officially punished. Learners may confuse the words because both often occur with rule violations or crimes. Put simply: an act is 'verfolgt' before or while it is being dealt with legally; it is 'geahndet' when a punishment follows.
Falsches Parken wird in dieser Straße streng geahndet.
Illegal parking is strictly penalized on this street.
Die Staatsanwaltschaft verfolgt den Betrug seit mehreren Monaten.
The public prosecutor's office has been prosecuting the fraud case for several months.