01
gebieten
to command
To order, command, or demand something with authority. The word is mostly used in a formal or elevated context.
example
Der König gebot seinen Untertanen, ihm zu gehorchen.
The king commanded his subjects to obey him.
gebieten
to command
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Meanings
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Usage tips
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The verb 'gebieten' (to command) belongs to an elevated, formal style of language. It is rarely used in everyday spoken language.
EXAMPLE
Der Richter gebot dem Zeugen, die Wahrheit zu sagen.
The judge commanded the witness to tell the truth.
Word family
'Gebieten' (to command) is closely related to the noun 'das Gebot' (the commandment, rule, law) and 'der Gebieter' (the ruler, master). All of these words express a form of authority or necessity.
EXAMPLE
Das oberste Gebot für Ärzte ist es, Patienten zu helfen.
The highest principle for doctors is to help patients.
Sentence structure with dative
In the meaning 'befehlen' (to command), the person who is being commanded to do something is in the dative. The instruction itself can be a noun in the accusative or a subordinate clause.
EXAMPLE
Die Königin gebot ihrem Diener (Dativ) absolutes Schweigen (Akkusativ).
The queen commanded her servant (dative) to maintain absolute silence (accusative).
Fixed expression
The expression 'es gebietet' (it requires) is often used with an abstract noun such as 'die Höflichkeit' (politeness), 'die Vernunft' (reason), or 'der Anstand' (decency). The 'es' is a fixed element of the construction.
EXAMPLE
Der Anstand gebietet es, älteren Menschen seinen Sitzplatz anzubieten.
Decency requires that one offer one's seat to older people.
Fixed preposition
In the meaning 'herrschen über' (to rule over), 'gebieten' (to rule) is always used with the preposition 'über' and the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Der Kaiser gebot über ein riesiges Reich.
The emperor ruled over a huge empire.
Compare with
gebieten vs verbieten
to forbid
'verbieten' and 'gebieten' sound similar, and both have to do with rules or authority. But their meanings are very different: 'verbieten' means that something is not allowed. 'gebieten' means that something is required or commanded; it often sounds formal or elevated. In expressions like 'die Höflichkeit gebietet' (politeness requires), 'gebieten' means that something is appropriate or necessary. The risk of confusion comes mainly from the similar form. In practical terms: 'verbieten' stops an action, while 'gebieten' calls for an action.
gebieten
Die Höflichkeit gebietet, dass man sich nach dem Essen bedankt.
Politeness requires that you say thank you after the meal.
verbieten
Im Krankenhaus verbietet der Arzt dem Patienten das Rauchen.
In the hospital, the doctor forbids the patient to smoke.
In real life
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