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.
prescription
A doctor's instruction to a patient to take a specific medication or undergo a therapy. The corresponding prescription is the written form of the medical order.
Der Arzt stellte ihm eine Verordnung für Physiotherapie aus.
The doctor issued him a prescription for physiotherapy.
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In a legal context, a regulation is often 'erlassen' (issued), 'geändert' (amended), or 'aufgehoben' (repealed) by an authority or government.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.
availability / order
Verfügung and Verordnung are both binding state regulations. A Verfügung is an official, usually written order or decision concerning a specific matter. A Verordnung contains legally binding rules with which an authority or government regulates an area in general.
Eine neue Verordnung legt die Hygienevorschriften für alle Restaurants fest.
A new regulation sets the hygiene requirements for all restaurants.
Die Behörde schließt das einzelne Restaurant wegen der Mängel mit einer Verfügung.
The authority closes the individual restaurant because of the deficiencies by issuing an official order.
