to have at one's disposal / decree
Loading your saved state.
to have at one's disposal
To possess something or have it available; to have control over or access to something.
Das Hotel verfügt über einen Swimmingpool und eine Sauna.
The hotel has a swimming pool and a sauna at its disposal.
to decree
To issue an official order or command. This is mostly used in a legal or administrative context.
Die Behörde verfügte die sofortige Schließung des Restaurants.
The authority decreed the immediate closure of the restaurant.
to stipulate
To determine in a will what should happen to one's property after death.
Er hat verfügt, dass sein Vermögen einer gemeinnützigen Stiftung zugutekommen soll.
He stipulated that his fortune should go to a charitable foundation.
'Verfügen' (to have at one's disposal / to decree) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'ver-' remains firmly attached to the verb 'fügen' in all tenses and sentence positions.
Er verfügte über großes Wissen in diesem Bereich.
He had extensive knowledge in this field.
In the most common meaning 'besitzen' (to possess), 'verfügen' is always used with the preposition 'über' (over/about) and the accusative. The structure is: Jemand verfügt über etwas (someone has something at their disposal).
Der Konferenzraum verfügt über die neueste Technik.
The conference room has the latest technology at its disposal.
'Verfügen' (to have at one's disposal / to decree) is a formal word. In particular, the meanings 'anordnen' (to order/decree) and 'im Testament festlegen' (to stipulate in a will) are limited to administrative and legal contexts.
Das Ministerium verfügte neue Sicherheitsrichtlinien.
The ministry decreed new safety guidelines.
The preposition 'über' is a clear signal for the meaning 'besitzen' (to possess). If the preposition is missing, it is usually about a formal order or a testamentary provision.
Unser Unternehmen verfügt über weltweite Kontakte.
Our company has contacts around the world.
to have
Haben refers to possession or belonging in a general, neutral way. Über etwas verfügen sounds more formal and can also emphasize that something is available or can be used. Haben is usually used in everyday speech; in formal statements about available resources or options, verfügen über is often a better choice.
Unser Büro verfügt über drei Besprechungsräume.
Our office has three meeting rooms at its disposal.
Unser Büro hat drei Besprechungsräume.
Our office has three meeting rooms.
