to instruct / to depend on
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to instruct
To give someone a formal order or command to do something specific.
Der Vorgesetzte wies die Mitarbeiter an, das neue Sicherheitsprotokoll sofort umzusetzen.
The supervisor instructed the employees to implement the new safety protocol immediately.
'Anweisen' (to instruct) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'an-' goes at the end of the sentence. The past participle is 'angewiesen'.
Der Polizist wies die Autofahrer an, eine andere Straße zu benutzen.
The police officer instructed the drivers to use another road.
The construction 'auf jemanden/etwas angewiesen sein' (to depend on someone/something) is a very common and important expression. It always uses the preposition 'auf' with the accusative.
Als Student war ich auf die finanzielle Hilfe meiner Eltern angewiesen.
As a student, I depended on financial help from my parents.
When a person is instructed to carry out a specific action, this is often expressed with a 'zu' + infinitive construction. The structure is: 'jemanden anweisen, etwas zu tun' (to instruct someone to do something).
Die Ärztin wies mich an, die Tabletten dreimal täglich zu nehmen.
The doctor instructed me to take the tablets three times a day.
In a financial context, 'anweisen' (to authorize payment) always means to order a bank transfer. The object is usually a sum of money.
Ich habe meine Bank angewiesen, die Rechnung zu bezahlen.
I instructed my bank to pay the invoice.
to say
'sagen' and 'anweisen' can both mean that someone tells another person what they should do. 'sagen' is neutral and very general; it can be advice, a request, or simple information. 'anweisen' sounds stronger and more formal. It fits when someone has the authority to give a clear order, or when someone explains exactly how a task should be done. In everyday life, people often simply say 'sagen'. At work, in school, in public offices, or with clear rules, 'anweisen' is more precise.
Die Lehrerin weist die Klasse morgen an, die Handys auszuschalten.
The teacher will instruct the class tomorrow to turn off their phones.
Sie hat mir am Wochenende gesagt, welchen Zug ich nehmen soll.
She told me over the weekend which train I should take.