The point in time at which a law, regulation, contract, or other rule becomes legally effective and therefore valid and applicable.
example
Das neue Gesetz verbietet das Rauchen in Restaurants ab seinem Inkrafttreten am 1. Januar.
The new law bans smoking in restaurants from its entry into force on January 1.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Das Inkrafttreten' (entry into force) is a nominalized verb. It comes from the fixed expression 'in Kraft treten' (to enter into force), which means that a law or rule becomes valid. The noun describes this process.
EXAMPLE
Viele Bürger warten auf das Inkrafttreten der neuen Regelung.
Many citizens are waiting for the entry into force of the new regulation.
Register and style
This word belongs to formal administrative and legal language. It is rarely used in everyday conversation.
EXAMPLE
Der genaue Zeitpunkt des Inkrafttretens wird im Bundesgesetzblatt bekannt gegeben.
The exact time of entry into force will be announced in the Federal Law Gazette.
Typical collocations
The word is often combined with a specific date or a preposition such as 'mit' (with/upon) or 'ab' (from/as of). A genitive construction naming the law is also typical.
EXAMPLE
Mit Inkrafttreten des Vertrags ändern sich die Bedingungen.
Upon entry into force of the contract, the conditions will change.