01
vorgeschrieben
mandatory
Bindingly set by a rule, law, or instruction and therefore required.
example
Das Tragen eines Helms ist auf dieser Baustelle gesetzlich vorgeschrieben.
Wearing a helmet is legally mandatory on this construction site.
vorgeschrieben
prescribed / mandatory
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
'Vorgeschrieben' is the past participle of the separable verb 'vorschreiben' (to prescribe / to require). The verb is made up of 'vor' and 'schreiben' and means to issue a rule or instruction.
EXAMPLE
Die Firma schreibt eine bestimmte Kleiderordnung vor.
The company prescribes a specific dress code.
Sentence structure
This word is very often used predicatively with the verb 'sein' (to be). The structure is then: 'Etwas ist vorgeschrieben' (something is mandatory/prescribed).
EXAMPLE
In vielen Ländern ist eine Krankenversicherung vorgeschrieben.
In many countries, health insurance is mandatory.
Typical collocations
'Vorgeschrieben' (mandatory/prescribed) is often intensified by adverbs such as 'gesetzlich' (legally), 'streng' (strictly), or 'klar' (clearly) to emphasize the type of rule.
EXAMPLE
Die Pausenzeiten sind klar vorgeschrieben.
The break times are clearly prescribed.
Compare with
vorgeschrieben vs freiwillig
voluntary
'freiwillig' and 'vorgeschrieben' form a clear contrast. 'freiwillig' is used when someone decides for themselves whether to do something. 'vorgeschrieben' is used when a rule, law, or instruction requires something. With 'freiwillig', there is no obligation. With 'vorgeschrieben', you have to comply with it.
vorgeschrieben
Die Klasse hat gelernt, dass im Labor eine Schutzbrille vorgeschrieben ist.
The class learned that safety goggles are mandatory in the lab.
freiwillig
Heute verteilt sie am Bahnhof freiwillig Informationen an Reisende.
Today she is voluntarily handing out information to travelers at the train station.
In real life
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