use of force
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use of force
The use of physical force against people or objects, often in the context of state authority such as the police or military. The term is used to describe the deliberate use of coercion.
Die Polizei ist nur zur Gewaltanwendung berechtigt, wenn alle anderen Mittel ausgeschöpft sind.
The police are only authorized to use force when all other means have been exhausted.
The word consists of 'Gewalt' (violence/force) and 'Anwendung' (application/use). An 'Anwendung' is the use or application of something. 'Gewaltanwendung' therefore literally means the 'Einsatz von Gewalt' (use of force).
Die Demonstration verlief ohne Gewaltanwendung.
The demonstration proceeded without any use of force.
This term belongs to formal language and is often used in official, legal, or police contexts. It sounds very objective and detached.
Der Bericht dokumentiert jeden Fall von Gewaltanwendung durch die Sicherheitskräfte.
The report documents every case of use of force by the security forces.
Common verbs in this context are 'androhen' (to threaten), 'rechtfertigen' (to justify), or 'verhindern' (to prevent). Often the question is whether the use of force was legitimate.
Ein Angreifer kann eine Notwehrsituation und damit Gewaltanwendung rechtfertigen.
An attacker can justify a situation of self-defense and therefore the use of force.
violence / authority / force
Here, Gewalt refers to the physical force used as such. Gewaltanwendung more clearly emphasizes the deliberate process or a specific action in which this force is used. Gewaltanwendung is especially appropriate for state measures when individual uses of force are being investigated or documented.
Der Bericht prüft die Gewaltanwendung des Beamten gegen den Angreifer.
The report examines the officer’s use of force against the attacker.
Der Bericht beschreibt die Gewalt, die der Beamte gegen den Angreifer einsetzte.
The report describes the force the officer used against the attacker.
