requirement / handicap
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requirement
An instruction, guideline, or fixed framework that must be followed. It defines what has to be done or which conditions must be met.
Wir müssen die strengen Vorgaben des Kunden genau einhalten.
We have to follow the client's strict requirements exactly.
handicap
In sports, an advantage granted to a weaker participant at the start of a competition in order to even the chances.
Beim Golf erhielt der Anfänger eine Vorgabe von fünf Schlägen.
In golf, the beginner received a handicap of five strokes.
'Die Vorgabe' (the requirement/handicap) is derived from the separable verb 'vorgeben' (to specify/set in advance). The idea is that something ('Gabe') is set in advance ('vor') as a rule or condition.
Der Chef gibt uns klare Ziele vor.
The boss gives us clear goals to work toward.
Common verbs used with 'Vorgaben' are 'Vorgaben machen' (to set requirements), 'Vorgaben einhalten' (to comply with requirements), 'Vorgaben erfüllen' (to meet requirements), or 'sich an Vorgaben halten' (to stick to requirements). Adjectives are often 'klar' (clear), 'streng' (strict), or 'gesetzlich' (legal/statutory).
Alle Mitarbeiter müssen sich an die neuen Sicherheitsvorgaben halten.
All employees must follow the new safety requirements.
The meaning 'advantage in a competition' is found almost exclusively in a sports context. Words like 'Golf' (golf), 'Rennen' (race), 'Handicap' (handicap), or 'Punkte' (points) signal this specific meaning.
Beim Pferderennen bekam das jüngere Pferd eine Vorgabe.
In the horse race, the younger horse was given a handicap.
edition / condition
An Auflage is usually a specific additional condition attached, for example, to an approval. Vorgabe is a more general term for an instruction or a fixed framework that must be followed. Auflage is used for an imposed additional obligation, while Vorgabe is more appropriate for a specified framework.
Für die Planung des Festes gilt die Vorgabe, das festgelegte Budget einzuhalten.
The requirement to stay within the set budget applies to planning the festival.
Die Stadt genehmigt das Fest mit der Auflage, ab 22 Uhr leise zu sein.
The city approves the festival on the condition that noise be kept down after 10 p.m.
