to impose
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to impose
To prescribe a duty, burden, punishment, or rule for someone and force them to follow or bear it.
Das Gericht hat dem Angeklagten eine hohe Geldstrafe auferlegt.
The court imposed a heavy fine on the defendant.
Although the verb begins with 'auf-' (up/on), it is inseparable. The prefix always stays attached to the verb, and the stress is on the second syllable: 'auf-ER-legen'.
Der Trainer erlegt den Spielern strenge Regeln auf.
The coach imposes strict rules on the players.
This verb always needs a person in the dative on whom something is imposed. The thing that is imposed is in the accusative. The pattern is: subject + auferlegen + dative object + accusative object.
Die Firma legte ihren Mitarbeitern neue Verhaltensregeln auf.
The company imposed new rules of conduct on its employees.
'Auferlegen' (to impose) is a formal word and is used mainly in official, legal, or administrative contexts. It sounds very strong and binding.
Die Regierung hat der Industrie strenge Umweltauflagen auferlegt.
The government imposed strict environmental requirements on the industry.
Negative or burdensome things are often imposed. Typical combinations are: 'eine Strafe auferlegen' (to impose a punishment), 'eine Pflicht auferlegen' (to impose a duty), 'Sanktionen auferlegen' (to impose sanctions), or 'eine Steuer auferlegen' (to impose a tax).
Wegen des Verstoßes wurde dem Unternehmen ein hohes Bußgeld auferlegt.
Because of the violation, the company was given a large fine.
When you impose something on yourself, it is often about discipline or giving something up. Typical phrases are: 'sich eine Beschränkung auferlegen' (to impose a restriction on oneself), 'sich Disziplin auferlegen' (to impose discipline on oneself), or 'sich ein Verbot auferlegen' (to impose a ban on oneself).
Er hat sich für seine Diät einen strengen Ernährungsplan auferlegt.
For his diet, he imposed a strict eating plan on himself.
to oblige / commit
'verpflichten' and 'auferlegen' can both mean that an obligation is created. 'verpflichten' is often used with rules, contracts, or promises: someone has to do something or voluntarily takes on responsibility. 'auferlegen' emphasizes more strongly that a duty, burden, punishment, or restriction is imposed on someone from outside. It often sounds somewhat more formal and heavier. Both words can also be used reflexively. Then they mean that you give yourself a rule or obligation. The risk of confusion lies in the fact that both words sound binding. 'auferlegen' fits especially well when the obligation is felt as a burden.
Das Gericht legte dem Fahrer eine hohe Geldstrafe auf.
The court imposed a heavy fine on the driver.
Die Eltern verpflichteten sich, regelmäßig beim Schulfest zu helfen.
The parents committed themselves to helping regularly at the school festival.