01
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
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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 empfehlen
to recommend
'empfehlen' and 'verordnen' can seem similar because both can say what someone should do. But the difference is important. 'empfehlen' is advice: someone thinks something is good, but the other person decides for themselves. 'verordnen' is much more binding. At the doctor’s office, it means that a treatment or medication is officially prescribed. With authorities or the government, it means a formal rule or order. Learners may confuse the words, especially in medical contexts. Memory tip: anyone can 'empfehlen' as advice; only someone with the appropriate authority can 'verordnen'.
verordnen
Beim Arzt wurde ihr wegen der Verletzung eine Woche Sportpause verordnet.
At the doctor’s office, she was prescribed a one-week break from sports because of the injury.
empfehlen
Meine Mutter empfiehlt mir wegen der langen Wartezeit einen frühen Termin.
Because of the long wait, my mother recommends that I make an early appointment.
In real life
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