01
der Gehorsam
obedience
The willingness or act of following the instructions, orders, or rules of a person in authority or a system.
example
In der Armee wird unbedingter Gehorsam verlangt.
In the army, absolute obedience is required.
der Gehorsam
obedience
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
'Der Gehorsam' (obedience) is the noun related to the verb 'gehorchen' (to obey). Both words describe the act of following instructions.
EXAMPLE
Der Hund lernt in der Hundeschule, zu gehorchen.
The dog learns to obey at dog school.
Typical verbs
'Gehorsam' (obedience) is often combined with certain verbs. You can say 'Gehorsam leisten' (to obey / to render obedience) or 'Gehorsam fordern' or 'Gehorsam verlangen' (to demand obedience) from someone.
EXAMPLE
Von den Soldaten wird erwartet, dass sie ihren Vorgesetzten Gehorsam leisten.
The soldiers are expected to obey their superiors.
Correct preposition
When you want to express whom someone is obedient toward, you use the preposition 'gegenüber' (toward) with the dative.
EXAMPLE
Er zeigte Gehorsam gegenüber seinen Eltern.
He showed obedience toward his parents.
Typical adjectives
'Gehorsam' (obedience) is often specified more closely by adjectives that describe the extent of it. Common combinations are 'unbedingter Gehorsam' (absolute obedience) or 'blinder Gehorsam' (blind obedience), which mean total submission without objection.
EXAMPLE
Die Sekte verlangte blinden Gehorsam von ihren Mitgliedern.
The sect demanded blind obedience from its members.
Compare with
Gehorsam vs Disziplin
discipline
'die Disziplin' and 'der Gehorsam' both have to do with rules and control. 'Disziplin' mainly means that you control yourself and stick with a task, even when it is difficult. 'Gehorsam' means that you follow the instructions of an authority, for example parents, teachers, or supervisors. The words can be confused because both fit orderly behavior. The difference is: discipline often comes from within, while obedience is directed toward someone else.
Gehorsam
Der Hund zeigt großen Gehorsam und kommt sofort zurück, wenn seine Besitzerin ruft.
The dog shows great obedience and comes back immediately when its owner calls.
Disziplin
Mit viel Disziplin hat Mehmet jeden Morgen für den Marathon trainiert.
With a lot of discipline, Mehmet trained for the marathon every morning.
In real life
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