to set / settle / detain
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to set
To determine, establish, or define something in a binding way. This often concerns prices, dates, rules, or penalties.
Das Gericht wird die Höhe der Strafe morgen festsetzen.
The court will set the amount of the fine tomorrow.
'Festsetzen' (to set / settle / detain) is a separable verb. The prefix 'fest-' comes at the end in a main clause; in subordinate clauses it remains attached to the verb. In the infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' comes between 'fest' and 'setzen'.
Die Firma setzt die neuen Preise fest.
The company sets the new prices.
The verb consists of 'fest' (in the sense of 'binding' or 'fixed') and 'setzen' (to place). So the basic idea is to put something in a fixed, unchangeable place, whether it is a rule, a person, or a thought.
Der König setzte eine hohe Belohnung für die Ergreifung des Diebes fest.
The king set a high reward for the capture of the thief.
The meaning changes depending on whether the verb is used actively or reflexively ('sich festsetzen'). Active means that someone determines something or holds someone. Reflexive means that something sticks or becomes anchored by itself.
Die Regierung setzt die neuen Steuern fest.
The government sets the new taxes.
In the meaning 'bestimmen' (to determine), 'festsetzen' (to set) is typically used with abstract nouns. Common combinations are: 'einen Termin festsetzen' (to set a date), 'einen Preis festsetzen' (to set a price), 'eine Frist festsetzen' (to set a deadline), or 'eine Strafe festsetzen' (to set a penalty).
Die Kommission muss nun die genauen Bedingungen festsetzen.
The commission now has to set the exact conditions.
When 'festsetzen' (to detain) has a person as its object, the context is almost always police, military, or law. It then means to take a person into custody.
Die Küstenwache konnte das verdächtige Schiff auf offener See festsetzen.
The coast guard was able to detain the suspicious ship on the open sea.
to set / put
'setzen' and 'festsetzen' can both mean that you determine something, for example a price, a date, or a rule. 'setzen' is more general and often more neutral. 'festsetzen' sounds more binding and official: something is determined precisely and is then supposed to apply. Learners can confuse the words because both fit with rules or dates. A simple guide is: if something is only chosen or determined, 'setzen' often fits. If it is established officially or in a binding way, 'festsetzen' is more precise.
Die Stadt setzt die neuen Gebühren für das Parken fest.
The city sets the new parking fees.
Der Lehrer setzt die Frist für die Hausaufgabe auf Freitag.
The teacher sets the deadline for the homework for Friday.