01
befolgen
to follow
To comply with an instruction, order, rule, or piece of advice and act accordingly.
example
Wer die Verkehrsregeln nicht befolgt, riskiert eine Strafe.
Anyone who does not follow the traffic rules risks a fine.
befolgen
to follow
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Meanings
Usage tips
Accusative instead of dative
The base verb 'folgen' (to follow) takes the dative (e.g., 'Ich folge dem Rat' — I follow the advice). The prefix 'be-' changes this: 'befolgen' always needs an accusative object (e.g., 'Ich befolge den Rat' — I follow the advice). This is an important rule for verbs with 'be-'.
EXAMPLE
Bitte befolgen Sie die Anweisungen genau.
Please follow the instructions exactly.
Typical collocations
'Befolgen' is typically combined with things that have authority or represent an obligation. Common combinations are: 'eine Regel befolgen' (to follow a rule), 'ein Gesetz befolgen' (to obey a law), 'einen Befehl befolgen' (to obey an order), or 'einen Ratschlag befolgen' (to follow advice).
EXAMPLE
Es ist klug, den Rat eines Experten zu befolgen.
It is wise to follow an expert's advice.
Register
The verb 'befolgen' is more formal than 'sich an etwas halten' (to stick to something / follow something). It emphasizes obligation and is often used in official, legal, or instructional contexts.
EXAMPLE
Alle Mitarbeiter müssen die neuen Unternehmensrichtlinien befolgen.
All employees must follow the new company guidelines.
Compare with
befolgen vs halten
to hold
'sich halten an' and 'befolgen' both mean that you act according to a rule, instruction, or piece of advice. 'sich an etwas halten' sounds very natural in everyday speech and works well with rules, appointments, or agreements. 'befolgen' sounds somewhat more formal and emphasizes more strongly that you follow an instruction or order exactly. In conversation, people often say 'Ich halte mich an die Regeln' (I stick to the rules); in official or more serious situations, 'die Vorschriften befolgen' (to follow the regulations) works well.
befolgen
Vor der Reise hat Anna alle Hinweise der Ärztin befolgt.
Before the trip, Anna followed all of the doctor's advice.
halten
Beim Termin im Amt halte ich mich genau an die Anweisungen.
At the appointment at the government office, I follow the instructions exactly.
In real life
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