gehorchen
to obey
To follow an order, instruction, or person and do what is required. The verb is typically used with the dative.
EXAMPLE
Der Hund gehorcht seinem Herrchen aufs Wort.
The dog obeys his owner instantly.
gehorchen
to obey
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Meanings
gehorchen
to obey / respond
In a figurative sense: when a body part or device functions as desired.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem langen Marathon wollten ihm die Beine einfach nicht mehr gehorchen.
After the long marathon, his legs simply would not obey him anymore.
Usage tips
Always with dative
The verb 'gehorchen' (to obey) always requires the dative. The person or thing that one obeys is in the dative, not the accusative. A common mistake is using the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder müssen ihren Eltern gehorchen.
The children must obey their parents.
Inseparable verb
'Gehorchen' (to obey) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'ge-' remains firmly attached to the verb in all sentence forms and tenses and is never separated.
EXAMPLE
Er hat mir noch nie gehorcht.
He has never obeyed me.
Word family 'horchen'
The word 'gehorchen' (to obey) is related to 'horchen' (to listen attentively). So it means to 'listen' to an order and then carry it out.
EXAMPLE
Ein gut trainierter Hund gehorcht auf kleinste Signale.
A well-trained dog obeys the smallest signals.
Figurative meaning
In the figurative meaning, the subject is often a body part or a device that no longer works as desired. This use is often found in negative sentences.
EXAMPLE
Meine Stimme will mir heute einfach nicht gehorchen.
My voice simply won't obey me today.
Compare with
gehorchen vs folgen
to follow
Both words can work when talking about an instruction. „Folgen“ emphasizes complying with a directive, while „gehorchen“ refers to obeying a command or an authority and therefore highlights submission more strongly. „Folgen“ is often suitable for advice or a rule, while „gehorchen“ is more appropriate for a command.
gehorchen
Der junge Hund gehorcht seiner Trainerin und setzt sich sofort hin.
The young dog obeys its trainer and sits down immediately.
folgen
Ich folge der Anweisung meiner Trainerin und wärme mich zuerst auf.
I follow my coach's instructions and warm up first.
In real life
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