requirement / handicap
Loading your saved state.
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.
'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.
rule / period
'die Regel' and 'die Vorgabe' both say that you are supposed to follow something. 'Regel' sounds more general and fits behavior, games, lessons, grammar, or a particular process. 'Vorgabe' is often used when an authority, a boss, or a plan defines in advance what must be done or which conditions apply. Learners may confuse the words because both are a kind of instruction. 'Regel' is more appropriate for what is allowed or forbidden; 'Vorgabe' is more appropriate for a fixed framework for a task.
Für den Bericht gibt es eine klare Vorgabe: Er darf höchstens zwei Seiten lang sein.
There is a clear requirement for the report: it may be no more than two pages long.
Im Schwimmbad gilt die Regel, dass Kinder nicht rennen dürfen.
At the swimming pool, the rule is that children are not allowed to run.