regulation / prescription
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regulation
A legally binding rule issued by an authority or government to specify laws in more detail or regulate certain areas. In the hierarchy, it ranks below a law.
Die neue Verordnung verbietet das Rauchen in öffentlichen Gebäuden.
The new regulation bans smoking in public buildings.
The word is derived from the verb 'verordnen' (to prescribe / to order). The prefix 'ver-' and the ending '-ung' form a noun that describes the result of an action: something that has been officially ordered.
Die neue Verordnung tritt ab nächstem Monat in Kraft.
The new regulation comes into force starting next month.
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'Verordnung' (regulation / prescription) from the context. If the sentence is about laws, politics, or authorities, it means the legal rule. If it is about doctors, medications, or therapies, it means the medical instruction.
Laut der neuen Verordnung müssen alle Geschäfte um 20 Uhr schließen.
According to the new regulation, all shops must close at 8 p.m.
In a legal context, a regulation is often 'erlassen' (issued), 'geändert' (amended), or 'aufgehoben' (repealed) by an authority or government. Citizens must 'sich daran halten' (comply with it) or may 'dagegen verstoßen' (violate it).
Die Stadt hat eine neue Parkverordnung erlassen.
The city has issued a new parking regulation.
In a medical context, a prescription is 'ausgestellt' (issued) or 'verschrieben' (prescribed) by a doctor. The patient then 'bekommt' (gets) or 'erhält' (receives) it.
Mein Arzt hat mir eine Verordnung für Massagen ausgestellt.
My doctor issued me a prescription for massages.
law
'das Gesetz' and 'die Verordnung' both belong to the language of law and administration. A 'Gesetz' is passed by the state and is a general, binding rule. A 'Verordnung' is also legally binding, but it is usually issued by a government or authority and regulates a specific area in more detail. Often, a 'Verordnung' explains how a law should be applied in practice. The words can be confused because both can be mandatory. As a guide: 'Gesetz' is the broader legal basis, while 'Verordnung' is usually more specific and concrete.
Die Stadt hat eine Verordnung erlassen, damit nachts weniger Lärm entsteht.
The city has issued a regulation to reduce noise at night.
Am Montag tritt ein neues Gesetz zum Schutz der Mieter in Kraft.
On Monday, a new law to protect tenants comes into force.