der  Befehl

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/bəˈfeːl/

🧐 What does "der Befehl" mean?

The German word der Befehl (noun, masculine) refers to a binding instruction or request to do or refrain from doing something specific. It often implies a hierarchical structure where a person or entity has the authority to issue instructions that must be followed.

• Main meaning: An order, a command that must be executed. Often used in military, professional, or technical (e.g., computer command) contexts.
• Connotation: Can sound strict or authoritarian, differing from a Bitte (request) or a Vorschlag (suggestion).

⚠️ There is only one article for Befehl: der. Confusion with other words is rare, but the strength of the instruction can vary depending on the context.

📚 Grammar in Detail: Der Befehl

Befehl is a masculine noun. Here is its declension:

Example Sentences

• Der Soldat führte den Befehl sofort aus. (The soldier carried out the command immediately.)
• Der Chef gab klare Befehle für das neue Projekt. (The boss gave clear orders for the new project.)
• Dieser Computerbefehl löscht die Datei. (This computer command deletes the file.)
• Auf Befehl des Königs wurde das Tor geöffnet. (On the king's command, the gate was opened.)

💡 How to use "Befehl"

Der Befehl is used in various contexts, mostly when a clear, unambiguous instruction is meant:

• Military & Police: The term is central here. Example: "Zu Befehl!" (Yes, sir! / Aye, aye, sir! - literally 'At command!')
• Workplace: Supervisors can give Befehle, although milder terms like Anweisung (instruction) or Auftrag (assignment, task) are often preferred to avoid authoritarian connotations. Example: "Der Abteilungsleiter gab den Befehl, die Produktion zu stoppen." (The department head gave the order to stop production.)
• Technology & IT: Refers to instructions for a computer system. Example: "Geben Sie den Befehl 'shutdown' ein." (Enter the command 'shutdown'.)
• Colloquial (less common): Sometimes used ironically or hyperbolically. Example: "Mutti gab den Befehl zum Aufräumen." (Mom gave the command to clean up.)

Distinction from similar words:

• Anweisung: Often more detailed, can be less strict than a Befehl.
• Auftrag: Refers more to a task or mission that is assigned.
• Bitte: A polite request, no obligation to comply.

🧠 Memory Aids for "Befehl"

For the article "der"

Imagine a strong general – DER General gives DER Befehl. Masculine authority fits the masculine article 'der'.

For the meaning "Command/Order"

A Befehl must be followed. Think: You'd better 'obey-fehl' or perhaps the command feels like it comes from a 'Big FELLa' (Befehl).

🔄 Word Ocean: Synonyms & Antonyms

🚨 Caution: Although similar, synonyms often have subtle differences in formality and strictness.

😄 For a Laugh

Warum nehmen Computerprogrammierer Befehle so wörtlich?

Weil sie keinen Spielraum für Interpretationen haben – sonst gibt's einen Syntax-Error statt Kaffee! ☕️💻

--- Translation ---

Why do computer programmers take commands so literally?

Because they have no room for interpretation – otherwise, you get a syntax error instead of coffee! ☕️💻

📜 Poetic Corner

Ein Wort, so klar, so streng, so kühl,
Der Befehl, ein ernstes Spiel.
Gegeben laut, erwartet Tat,
Folgt prompt darauf, sonst ist's zu spat'.
Im Heer, im Job, am Schirm so hell,
Er lenkt die Handlung, schnell, schnell, schnell.

--- Translation ---

A word so clear, so strict, so cool,
The command, a serious tool (lit. game).
Given aloud, expecting deed,
Follow promptly, or pay the heed (lit. otherwise it's too late).
In army, job, on screen so bright,
It guides the action, fast, with might (lit. fast, fast, fast).

❓ Brain Teaser

Ich habe keine Stimme, doch werde laut gesagt.
Ich habe keine Hände, doch meine Wirkung Klag' oft schafft, wenn man mir nicht folgt.
Von Generälen und Chefs werd' ich oft gebraucht,
auch dein Computer kennt mich, hat's nie anders versucht.

Was bin ich?

--- Translation ---

I have no voice, yet I am spoken aloud.
I have no hands, yet my effect often causes complaint if I'm not followed.
By generals and bosses, I am often used,
your computer knows me too, it has never tried otherwise.

What am I?
→ Der Befehl (The command)

🤓 Interesting Tidbits

• Etymology: Befehl derives from the Old High German verb "bifelahan", which originally meant "to entrust", "to hand over", but also "to command". Over time, the meaning narrowed to the sense of an instruction.
• Compounds: There are many compound words with Befehl, e.g.:
  • Befehlshaber: Commander (lit. command-haver).
  • Befehlsgewalt: Authority to command (lit. command-power).
  • Befehlston: Authoritarian tone of voice (lit. command-tone).
  • Befehlskette: Chain of command (lit. command-chain).
  • Computerbefehl / Kommandozeilenbefehl: Computer command / Command line command.
• Idiom: "Auf Befehl von oben" (On orders from above) means the instruction comes from a higher level of authority.