In 15 Seconds
- To follow the legal rules of a country or state.
- Used for formal duties like taxes, traffic, and civic responsibilities.
- Reflects the German cultural value of order and social cooperation.
Meaning
This phrase is all about being a law-abiding citizen. It means you are doing exactly what the legal system requires of you without cutting corners.
Key Examples
3 of 6Discussing traffic rules with a friend
Es ist wichtig, im Straßenverkehr die Gesetze zu befolgen.
It is important to obey the laws in road traffic.
A lawyer giving advice to a client
Sie müssen alle lokalen Gesetze befolgen, um Probleme zu vermeiden.
You must obey all local laws to avoid problems.
Texting a friend about a strict park ranger
Der Ranger war streng, wir mussten jedes Gesetz befolgen!
The ranger was strict, we had to obey every law!
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Rechtsstaat' (state governed by law) is central. Germans often feel a civic duty to follow laws to maintain social harmony. Swiss culture places extremely high value on local regulations and 'Gemeinde' (community) rules. 'Gesetze befolgen' is seen as a sign of respect for neighbors. While similar to Germany, there is a concept called 'Fortwursteln' or a more relaxed approach to minor rules, though 'Gesetze befolgen' remains the official standard. In international companies, 'Compliance' is the buzzword. German employees will often use 'Gesetze befolgen' to describe their adherence to international standards.
The Case Trick
Remember: be-folgen = be-Accusative. Both start with a vowel-ish sound in some learners' minds, or just associate the 'b' in 'be' with 'both' (verb + object).
Don't use with people!
Never say 'Ich befolge meinen Lehrer'. It sounds like you are treating your teacher as a set of rules. Say 'Ich folge meinem Lehrer' or 'Ich höre auf meinen Lehrer'.
In 15 Seconds
- To follow the legal rules of a country or state.
- Used for formal duties like taxes, traffic, and civic responsibilities.
- Reflects the German cultural value of order and social cooperation.
What It Means
Gesetze befolgen is the standard way to say you are obeying the law. It sounds a bit official but is used in everyday life too. It implies a sense of duty and order. You aren't just following a suggestion. You are adhering to the formal rules of the land. It is the hallmark of being a 'good citizen' in a structured society.
How To Use It
You treat befolgen as a regular verb. It takes the accusative case for the laws you are following. You can say Ich befolge das Gesetz or Wir müssen Gesetze befolgen. It is a direct way to express compliance. Use it when talking about taxes, traffic, or general legal duties. It makes you sound responsible and serious about your actions.
When To Use It
Use this when discussing legal requirements or social responsibilities. It fits perfectly in a news discussion about new regulations. You might use it when explaining why you can't do something illegal to a friend. It also works in professional settings like a job interview. If someone asks about your ethics, this phrase is your best friend. It shows you respect the system.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this for small, informal rules at home. If your roommate wants you to wash dishes, don't say you are 'obeying the law.' Use Regeln einhalten for house rules or games. Gesetze befolgen is too heavy for a board game night. Also, don't use it for religious 'laws' unless they are also state laws. It sounds too much like a courtroom for a casual dinner party.
Cultural Background
Germany is famous for its love of order and 'Ordnung'. The phrase Gesetze befolgen is deeply tied to the concept of 'Recht und Ordnung'. Following the law isn't just a suggestion; it is a social contract. Many Germans feel that if everyone follows the rules, life runs smoothly for everyone. It is less about fear of punishment and more about collective efficiency. It is why you might see people waiting for a red light at 3 AM.
Common Variations
You will often hear sich an Gesetze halten. This is a bit more common in spoken German. It means 'to stick to the laws.' Another variation is Gesetze einhalten, which is very similar to befolgen. If you want to sound very formal, you could use den Gesetzen Folge leisten. That one is mostly for police reports or very old books.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral to formal. It is perfectly safe to use in a professional email or a casual conversation about the news, but avoid it for minor household rules.
The Case Trick
Remember: be-folgen = be-Accusative. Both start with a vowel-ish sound in some learners' minds, or just associate the 'b' in 'be' with 'both' (verb + object).
Don't use with people!
Never say 'Ich befolge meinen Lehrer'. It sounds like you are treating your teacher as a set of rules. Say 'Ich folge meinem Lehrer' or 'Ich höre auf meinen Lehrer'.
Ordnung muss sein
This phrase is the verbal embodiment of the German 'Ordnung muss sein' (Order must be). Use it to show you understand German civic values.
Examples
6Es ist wichtig, im Straßenverkehr die Gesetze zu befolgen.
It is important to obey the laws in road traffic.
A common, practical application of the phrase.
Sie müssen alle lokalen Gesetze befolgen, um Probleme zu vermeiden.
You must obey all local laws to avoid problems.
Very standard professional usage.
Der Ranger war streng, wir mussten jedes Gesetz befolgen!
The ranger was strict, we had to obey every law!
Slightly hyperbolic use in a casual text.
Ich bin so langweilig, ich befolge sogar Gesetze, die es gar nicht gibt.
I'm so boring, I even obey laws that don't even exist.
Self-deprecating humor about being a rule-follower.
Jeder Bürger hat die Pflicht, die Gesetze zu befolgen.
Every citizen has the duty to obey the laws.
A strong, principled statement about society.
Ich versuche nur, die Gesetze zu befolgen, aber es ist so kompliziert!
I'm just trying to obey the laws, but it's so complicated!
Shows the emotional side of dealing with rules.
Test Yourself
Wähle das richtige Wort: folgen oder befolgen.
Ein guter Bürger muss {die|f} Gesetze ______.
Laws (Gesetze) are rules, so we use 'befolgen'. Also, 'die Gesetze' is accusative, which matches 'befolgen'.
Welcher Satz ist grammatikalisch richtig?
Grammatik-Check:
'Befolgen' takes the accusative case. '{das|n} Gesetz' stays 'das' in the accusative.
Vervollständige den Dialog.
Polizist: 'Sie dürfen hier nicht parken.' Fahrer: 'Oh, Entschuldigung. Ich will natürlich die ______ ______.'
In a formal situation with the police, 'Gesetze befolgen' is the most appropriate and grammatically correct choice.
Verbinde die Gegenteile.
Gegenteile finden:
'Brechen' (to break) is the direct opposite of 'befolgen' (to follow/obey).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEin guter Bürger muss {die|f} Gesetze ______.
Laws (Gesetze) are rules, so we use 'befolgen'. Also, 'die Gesetze' is accusative, which matches 'befolgen'.
Grammatik-Check:
'Befolgen' takes the accusative case. '{das|n} Gesetz' stays 'das' in the accusative.
Polizist: 'Sie dürfen hier nicht parken.' Fahrer: 'Oh, Entschuldigung. Ich will natürlich die ______ ______.'
In a formal situation with the police, 'Gesetze befolgen' is the most appropriate and grammatically correct choice.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
'Brechen' (to break) is the direct opposite of 'befolgen' (to follow/obey).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNo, you can also 'befolgen' instructions (Anweisungen), advice (einen Rat), or orders (Befehle).
Yes, 'Regeln befolgen' is very common and slightly less formal than 'Gesetze befolgen'.
'Befolgen' is the act of doing what is told. 'Einhalten' is often used for limits, deadlines, or staying within a boundary (like a speed limit).
Both are correct. 'Die Gesetze' (plural) refers to the legal system in general. 'Das Gesetz' (singular) can refer to a specific law or the abstract concept of Law.
No, 'be-' is an inseparable prefix. It stays attached to the verb in all forms (e.g., 'ich befolge', not 'ich folge be').
Related Phrases
sich an {die|f} Regeln halten
similarTo stick to the rules
Vorschriften einhalten
specialized formTo comply with regulations
Gesetze brechen
contrastTo break laws
Gehorsam leisten
builds onTo render obedience
