To define something in a binding and often written way so that it cannot easily be changed. This often happens in laws, contracts, or statutes.
example
Die Rechte und Pflichten der Mieter sind im Mietvertrag genau festgeschrieben.
The rights and obligations of the tenants are precisely stipulated in the rental agreement.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Festschreiben' (to stipulate) is a separable verb. The prefix 'fest-' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive, the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Der Vertrag schreibt die Bedingungen genau fest.
The contract stipulates the conditions precisely.
Word structure
The verb consists of 'fest' (in the sense of 'binding', 'unchangeable') and 'schreiben' (to write). So the meaning is literally: to write something down in such a way that it is fixed and binding.
EXAMPLE
Die Grundrechte sind in der Verfassung festgeschrieben.
The basic rights are stipulated in the constitution.
Register and style
This verb belongs to formal written language, especially legal and administrative language. You often find it in contracts, laws, and official documents.
EXAMPLE
Die neuen Datenschutzrichtlinien wurden im Gesetz festgeschrieben.
The new data protection guidelines were stipulated in the law.
Often in the passive
'Festschreiben' (to stipulate) is very often used in the passive to emphasize THAT something was defined, not WHO defined it. The typical structure is 'etwas wird/ist festgeschrieben' (something is/will be stipulated).
EXAMPLE
In der Satzung ist festgeschrieben, wie der Vorstand gewählt wird.
The statutes stipulate how the board is elected.
Compare with
near_synonym · confusable
festschreiben vs bestimmen
to determine
'bestimmen' and 'festschreiben' can both mean that something is defined or set. 'bestimmen' is more general and can also happen spontaneously or orally. 'festschreiben' means that something is stipulated in a binding way, often in writing in a contract, law, or rule. This is meant to make it hard to change. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with decisions. The difference is: 'bestimmen' is the decision itself; 'festschreiben' makes that decision fixed and binding.
festschreiben
Im Vertrag wurde festgeschrieben, dass die Miete zwei Jahre gleich bleibt.
The contract stipulated that the rent would stay the same for two years.
bestimmen
Nach dem Unterricht bestimmt die Gruppe, wer das Plakat vorbereitet.
After class, the group decides who will prepare the poster.