01
verbieten
to forbid
To establish through an instruction, law, or rule that something is not allowed.
example
Der Arzt hat ihm verboten, weiterhin zu rauchen.
The doctor forbade him to continue smoking.
verbieten
to forbid
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Verbieten' (to forbid) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'ver-' remains firmly attached to the verb 'bieten' in all sentence forms and is not stressed.
EXAMPLE
Die Hausordnung verbietet laute Musik nach 22 Uhr.
The house rules forbid loud music after 10 p.m.
Dative construction
The verb 'verbieten' (to forbid) needs a person in the dative (to whom is something forbidden?) and a thing in the accusative (what is forbidden?). Alternatively, it is followed by an infinitive clause with 'zu'.
EXAMPLE
Meine Eltern verbieten mir das Videospiel.
My parents forbid me the video game.
Word structure
The prefix 'ver-' reverses the meaning of the base verb 'bieten' (to offer, to provide). To forbid something therefore means not to allow it.
EXAMPLE
Hier ist das Parken streng verboten.
Parking is strictly forbidden here.
Reflexive use
In the reflexive form 'sich etwas verbieten' (to forbid oneself something), the action refers back to the person themselves. The reflexive pronoun is in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Ich muss mir verbieten, ständig an die Arbeit zu denken.
I have to forbid myself from constantly thinking about work.
Compare with
verbieten vs lassen
to let / to have
'lassen' and 'verbieten' are opposites when it comes to rules and permission. 'lassen' means that someone is allowed to do something. 'verbieten' means that someone is not allowed to do something. 'lassen' often fits everyday situations, for example with parents, friends, or teachers. 'verbieten' fits when a person, a rule, or a law clearly says no.
verbieten
Das Schild verbietet den Fahrern, hier zu parken.
The sign forbids drivers from parking here.
lassen
Die Trainerin lässt die Kinder nach dem Spiel noch zehn Minuten weiterlaufen.
The coach lets the children keep running for another ten minutes after the game.
In real life
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