order / command
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order / command
An instruction or order from a person with authority (e.g. in the military or the police) that must be obeyed.
Der General gab den Befehl zum sofortigen Rückzug.
The general gave the order for an immediate retreat.
command
An instruction given to a computer or technical system in order to carry out a specific action.
Geben Sie den Befehl „drucken“ ein, um das Dokument auszudrucken.
Enter the command 'print' to print the document.
The noun 'der Befehl' (order/command) is closely related to the verb 'befehlen' (to order/command). Someone who has authority can command something and thus gives a 'Befehl' (order/command).
Der Polizist befahl dem Fahrer, anzuhalten.
The police officer ordered the driver to stop.
To describe the content of an order, an infinitive construction with 'zu' is often used. The structure is: 'der Befehl, etwas zu tun' (the order to do something).
Die Soldaten erhielten den Befehl, die Stellung zu halten.
The soldiers received the order to hold the position.
In connection with authority, fixed verb-noun combinations are often used: 'einen Befehl geben/erteilen' (to give/issue an order), 'einen Befehl ausführen/befolgen' (to carry out/obey an order), or 'einen Befehl verweigern' (to refuse an order).
Der Kapitän erteilte den Befehl, die Segel zu setzen.
The captain gave the order to set the sails.
When it is about computers or technology, 'Befehl' (command) means an instruction to a machine. Typical verbs in this context are 'eingeben' (to enter), 'ausführen' (to execute), or 'speichern' (to save).
Der Computer hat den Befehl „kopieren“ nicht ausgeführt.
The computer did not execute the command 'copy'.
order / arrangement
Der Befehl and die Anordnung both refer to a binding directive from an authority. „Befehl“ tends to emphasize direct obedience and often has a military or hierarchical tone, whereas „Anordnung“ sounds more formal and is also used in an administrative context. Use „Befehl“ for direct leadership and „Anordnung“ for official regulations.
Der Hauptmann gab den Soldaten den Befehl, sofort zur Brücke zu marschieren.
The captain ordered the soldiers to march to the bridge immediately.
Die Behörde erließ die Anordnung, dass die Brücke bis zur Prüfung geschlossen bleibt.
The authorities issued an order that the bridge was to remain closed until the inspection was complete.
