verordnen
to prescribe
As a doctor, to prescribe a medication, treatment, or therapy for a patient.
EXAMPLE
Der Arzt hat mir Bettruhe und ein Antibiotikum verordnet.
The doctor prescribed bed rest and an antibiotic for me.
verordnen
to prescribe / order
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Meanings
verordnen
to order / decree
To officially order or legally prescribe something by an authority or government. It is a formal instruction or decree.
EXAMPLE
Die Regierung hat eine neue Regelung zur Lärmbekämpfung verordnet.
The government ordered a new regulation to combat noise.
Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Verordnen' (to prescribe / order) is an inseparable verb because it begins with the prefix 'ver-'. The prefix remains firmly attached to the verb stem in all tenses and sentence constructions.
EXAMPLE
Die Behörde verordnete strengere Kontrollen.
The authority ordered stricter inspections.
Sentence structure with dative
The verb 'verordnen' (to prescribe / order) is typically used with a person in the dative and a thing in the accusative. The structure is: subject prescribes/orders [person in the dative] [thing in the accusative].
EXAMPLE
Die Ärztin verordnete dem Patienten eine Physiotherapie.
The doctor prescribed physiotherapy for the patient.
Context clue
The context reveals the meaning: If the subject is a doctor, it is about a medical prescription. If the subject is a government or authority, it is an official order.
EXAMPLE
Mein Hausarzt hat mir mehr Bewegung verordnet.
My family doctor prescribed more exercise for me.
Typical collocations
In a medical context, 'verordnen' (to prescribe) is often combined with things like 'Medikamente' (medications), 'Bettruhe' (bed rest), 'eine Diät' (a diet), or 'eine Kur' (a course of treatment).
EXAMPLE
Wegen der starken Schmerzen wurde ihm ein Schmerzmittel verordnet.
Because of the severe pain, he was prescribed a painkiller.
Compare with
verordnen vs verfügen
to have at one's disposal / decree
Both words can express an official order issued by an authority. „Verfügen“ tends to emphasize the specific decision concerning a particular person or case, whereas „verordnen“ sounds more like a formal, more general regulation. „Verfügen“ often fits an individual case, while „verordnen“ is more suitable for a rule.
verordnen
Die Regierung verordnete für alle Betriebe strengere Sicherheitsregeln.
The government imposed stricter safety regulations on all businesses.
verfügen
Die Behörde verfügte für diesen Betrieb eine sofortige Schließung.
The authorities ordered the immediate closure of this business.
In real life
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