rule / period
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rule
A regulation, law, or instruction that determines how one should behave or how something must be done.
Eine wichtige Regel im Straßenverkehr ist, an einer roten Ampel zu halten.
An important rule in traffic is to stop at a red light.
as a rule
A fixed expression meaning that something is normally, usually, or generally the case.
In der Regel frühstücke ich um 7 Uhr, aber heute habe ich verschlafen.
As a rule, I have breakfast at 7 o'clock, but today I overslept.
period
The monthly menstrual bleeding in women.
Viele Frauen haben während ihrer Regel Schmerzen.
Many women have pain during their period.
rule
A principle or norm in a specific field such as grammar, mathematics, or science.
Die Rechtschreibung im Deutschen folgt festen Regeln.
Spelling in German follows fixed rules.
'Die Regel' (the rule) belongs to a word family with the verb 'regeln' (to arrange, organize) and the adjective/adverb 'regelmäßig' (regular, regularly; at regular intervals).
Wir müssen noch regeln, wer den Einkauf erledigt.
We still need to arrange who will do the shopping.
Common verbs used in connection with rules are 'Regeln aufstellen' (to establish rules), 'Regeln befolgen' (to follow rules), or 'gegen eine Regel verstoßen' (to violate a rule). The fixed expression 'sich an die Regeln halten' (to stick to the rules) is especially important.
Wer sich nicht an die Regeln hält, muss mit Konsequenzen rechnen.
Anyone who does not stick to the rules must expect consequences.
The fixed expression 'in der Regel' (as a rule, usually) is an adverbial. If it stands at the beginning of the sentence (position 1), the verb follows directly. If it stands within the sentence, the word order does not change.
In der Regel gehe ich am Wochenende spazieren.
As a rule, I go for a walk on the weekend.
The meaning 'Menstruation' is usually clear from the context (health, body) or from a possessive pronoun such as 'meine' (my), 'deine' (your), or 'ihre' (her/their).
Sie hat während ihrer Regel oft starke Bauchschmerzen.
She often has severe stomach pain during her period.
In connection with menstruation, 'die Regel' (period) is often used with the verbs 'haben' (to have) or 'bekommen' (to get). It is a neutral and very common expression.
Meine Freundin hat ihre Regel bekommen und fühlt sich nicht so gut.
My friend got her period and doesn't feel very well.
law
A Regel and a Gesetz can both establish binding behavior. A Gesetz is enacted by the state and applies generally; a Regel can also be just a single requirement in an institution or group. For a state-established norm, Gesetz is therefore more precise.
Im Amt gilt die Regel, dass Besucher ihre Handys ausschalten müssen.
The office has a rule that visitors must switch off their phones.
Das Gesetz verlangt, dass Behörden persönliche Daten schützen müssen.
The law requires public authorities to protect personal data.
