to stipulate
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to stipulate
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.
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.
'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.
Der Vertrag schreibt die Bedingungen genau fest.
The contract stipulates the conditions precisely.
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.
Die Grundrechte sind in der Verfassung festgeschrieben.
The basic rights are stipulated in the constitution.
This verb belongs to formal written language, especially legal and administrative language. You often find it in contracts, laws, and official documents.
Die neuen Datenschutzrichtlinien wurden im Gesetz festgeschrieben.
The new data protection guidelines were stipulated in the law.
'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).
In der Satzung ist festgeschrieben, wie der Vorstand gewählt wird.
The statutes stipulate how the board is elected.
to set / commit
Both words can be used to establish a binding rule. „Festschreiben“, however, emphasizes explicitly anchoring it in writing so that the rule cannot simply be changed, whereas „festlegen“ can also refer to oral or provisional decisions. Use „festschreiben“ for contracts or statutes and „festlegen“ for general decisions.
Der Verein schrieb die neue Regel anschließend in seiner Satzung fest.
The association subsequently enshrined the new rule in its statutes.
Die Mitglieder legten die neue Regel in der Sitzung verbindlich fest.
The members formally established the new rule at the meeting.
