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.
'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
'die Regel' and 'das Gesetz' can both say that something applies and must be followed. But 'die Regel' is more general: it can be a regulation in school, in a game, in a course, or in grammar. 'das Gesetz' is usually more official and stronger, especially when it comes from the state and is binding for everyone. The words can be confused because laws are also a kind of rule. But not every rule is a law. In science, both can also describe a general principle, for example a rule or a law of nature.
Im Kurs erklärt die Lehrerin die wichtigste Regel für die Gruppenarbeit.
In the course, the teacher explains the most important rule for group work.
Nach dem Unfall prüft die Polizei, ob jemand gegen das Gesetz verstoßen hat.
After the accident, the police check whether someone has broken the law.