command
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command / order
A command or instruction, usually from a person with authority. It is used almost exclusively in the phrase 'auf Geheiß von' (at the command of).
Auf Geheiß des Direktors wurde das Gebäude sofort evakuiert.
At the director's command, the building was evacuated immediately.
This word is used almost exclusively in the fixed phrase 'auf Geheiß von' + dative or 'auf jemandes Geheiß' (at someone's command). It expresses that an action happens because of an order.
Die Soldaten handelten auf Geheiß ihres Hauptmanns.
The soldiers acted at their captain's command.
'Geheiß' (command) is a very formal and somewhat outdated word. It is mainly found in written language, in historical contexts, or in formal reports, but hardly ever in everyday speech.
Auf Geheiß des Königs musste der Gefangene freigelassen werden.
At the king's command, the prisoner had to be released.
The word is related to the verb 'heißen', which in the past could also mean 'befehlen' (to command). The prefix 'Ge-' here points to the result of an action, that is, the command itself.
Er verließ den Raum auf ihr Geheiß.
He left the room at her command.
order / command
Der Befehl and das Geheiß can both refer to a binding instruction from an authority. Befehl is the normal, direct term, while Geheiß occurs almost exclusively in the elevated phrase „auf Geheiß von“. Befehl is appropriate for the instruction itself; Geheiß is used in this fixed formal phrase.
Auf Geheiß des Direktors wurde die Sitzung sofort beendet.
At the director's command, the meeting was ended immediately.
Der Befehl des Direktors wurde sofort ausgeführt.
The director's order was carried out immediately.
