to prescribe / write out
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to prescribe
To issue a rule, law, or instruction that must be followed. It means to lay down in a binding way what someone should do or how something has to be.
Das Gesetz schreibt vor, dass man beim Autofahren angeschnallt sein muss.
The law prescribes that you must wear a seat belt when driving.
'Vorschreiben' (to prescribe/write out) is a separable verb with the prefix 'vor-'. In a main clause, the prefix goes at the end. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Die Hausordnung schreibt klare Regeln für alle Mieter vor.
The house rules prescribe clear rules for all tenants.
When expressing to whom something is prescribed, that person or group is in the dative. The rule or instruction itself often appears in a subordinate clause with 'dass' (that) or as an accusative object.
Der Arzt schrieb dem Patienten strenge Bettruhe vor.
The doctor prescribed strict bed rest for the patient.
This meaning is mainly used in formal or official contexts. Typical signal words are 'Gesetz' (law), 'Regel' (rule), 'Vorschrift' (regulation), or 'Behörde' (authority/agency).
Die Bauvorschriften schreiben genau vor, wie hoch das Gebäude sein darf.
The building regulations prescribe exactly how high the building may be.
This meaning is very rare today and is found almost only in descriptions of school lessons in earlier times. You can recognize it from the context of school, teachers, and copying texts.
Früher mussten die Kinder die Buchstaben nachschreiben, die der Lehrer ihnen vorgeschrieben hatte.
In the past, the children had to trace the letters that the teacher had written out for them.
to allow
'erlauben' and 'vorschreiben' are clear opposites when it comes to rules. If someone allows something, you may do it, but you do not necessarily have to do it. If someone prescribes something, you have to do it or follow a specific rule. So 'erlauben' gives freedom, while 'vorschreiben' creates an obligation. This difference is especially important for rules at school, at work, in traffic, or in contracts.
Im Kurs schreibt der Trainer feste Schuhe vor.
In the course, the trainer requires sturdy shoes.
Beim Termin erlaubt die Ärztin mir, meine Schwester mitzunehmen.
At the appointment, the doctor allows me to bring my sister along.