01
missachten
to disregard
To deliberately ignore or fail to follow a rule, law, instruction, or order.
example
Wer die rote Ampel missachtet, riskiert einen schweren Unfall.
Anyone who disregards a red light risks a serious accident.
missachten
to disregard
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The verb consists of the prefix 'miss-' and the verb 'achten' (to respect/pay attention to). The prefix 'miss-' always expresses something negative or wrong, as also in 'Missverständnis' (misunderstanding) or 'misslingen' (to fail). So 'missachten' (to disregard) literally means not to give someone or something the necessary respect or attention.
EXAMPLE
Er hat meine Anweisungen komplett missachtet.
He completely disregarded my instructions.
Inseparable verb
'Missachten' (to disregard) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'miss-' remains firmly attached to the verb stem in all tenses and sentence constructions.
EXAMPLE
Sie missachtet die Verkehrsregeln.
She disregards the traffic rules.
Sentence structure with accusative
The verb 'missachten' (to disregard) always requires a direct object in the accusative. You ask: Whom or what is being disregarded? This object is the person, rule, or thing that is being ignored.
EXAMPLE
Der Radfahrer missachtete das Stoppschild.
The cyclist disregarded the stop sign.
Typical collocations
When it is about rules, 'missachten' (to disregard) is often combined with nouns such as 'Gesetz' (law), 'Vorschrift' (regulation), 'Befehl' (order), or 'Warnung' (warning).
EXAMPLE
Wer die Sicherheitsvorschriften missachtet, gefährdet sich und andere.
Anyone who disregards the safety regulations endangers themselves and others.
Compare with
missachten vs folgen
to follow
'folgen' and 'missachten' form a clear contrast here. If you follow a rule, piece of advice, or instruction, you stick to it. If you 'missachten' a rule or instruction, you deliberately ignore it or act against it. So 'folgen' describes correct or expected behavior. 'missachten' describes someone not taking a rule seriously or intentionally not following it.
missachten
Wegen der Gefahr dürfen wir die Sicherheitsregeln nicht missachten.
Because of the danger, we must not disregard the safety rules.
folgen
Vor dem Termin folgt sie den Anweisungen ihrer Chefin.
Before the appointment, she follows her boss's instructions.
In real life
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