01
bestrafen
to punish
To impose a punishment on someone for an offense, a crime, or misconduct.
example
Der Richter wird den Angeklagten für den Diebstahl bestrafen.
The judge will punish the defendant for the theft.
bestrafen
to punish
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The verb 'bestrafen' (to punish) is inseparable and is derived directly from the noun 'die Strafe' (the punishment). The prefix 'be-' and the ending '-en' turn the noun into a verb.
EXAMPLE
Für dieses Vergehen droht eine hohe Strafe.
This offense carries the threat of a severe punishment.
Sentence structure with 'für'
The structure is almost always: someone (subject) punishes someone (accusative object) for something (prepositional object with 'für' + accusative). The preposition 'für' gives the reason for the punishment.
EXAMPLE
Die Eltern bestraften ihren Sohn für die schlechte Note.
The parents punished their son for the bad grade.
Colloquial use
This meaning is usually used passively with 'sein' (to be): 'mit etwas bestraft sein' (to be punished with something). It expresses that you are suffering from a very unfortunate situation, as if it were a punishment from fate.
EXAMPLE
Mit so einem lauten Nachbarn ist man wirklich bestraft.
With such a loud neighbor, you are really being punished.
Compare with
bestrafen vs verurteilen
to sentence / condemn
'verurteilen' and 'bestrafen' both have to do with punishment. 'verurteilen' is used mainly for a court: a person is officially found guilty and receives a sentence. 'bestrafen' is more general. Parents, teachers, bosses, or the state can punish someone. Learners easily confuse the words because punishment often follows a conviction. The difference is: 'verurteilen' is the court judgment, while 'bestrafen' is giving or enforcing a punishment.
bestrafen
Heute bestraft der Trainer die Spieler nicht, sondern spricht ruhig mit ihnen.
Today the coach does not punish the players, but speaks calmly with them.
verurteilen
Nach dem Prozess verurteilt die Richterin den Mann zu einer Geldstrafe.
After the trial, the judge sentences the man to a fine.
In real life
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