der  Vollzug

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈfɔlt͡suːk/

🎯 What does "der Vollzug" mean?

Der Vollzug describes the execution, implementation, or enforcement of an action, a plan, a law, an order, or a judgment. *It's about putting something planned or decided into action.*

Common meanings include:

• Execution/Implementation: *The practical realization of a plan or task.* (e.g., der Vollzug eines Bauprojekts - *the execution of a construction project*)
• Enforcement (legal): *The carrying out of laws or judgments, especially in the context of justice and administration.* The best-known example is *der Strafvollzug* (*penal execution* or *imprisonment*).

🚨 *Note: The word often carries a formal, official, or legal connotation.*

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of Vollzug in Detail

Der Vollzug is a masculine noun. *It is mainly used in the singular.* The plural (*die Vollzüge*) is rare and usually refers to multiple specific acts of execution or enforcement.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Der Vollzug des Urteils erfolgte umgehend.
   (The execution of the sentence followed immediately.)
2. Die Behörde ist für den Vollzug dieser Verordnung zuständig.
   (The authority is responsible for the enforcement of this regulation.)
3. Wir überwachen den ordnungsgemäßen Vollzug der Bauarbeiten.
   (We are monitoring the proper execution of the construction work.)
4. Der Täter befindet sich nun im Strafvollzug.
   (The perpetrator is now in prison / undergoing penal execution.)
5. Der Vollzug des Plans erfordert genaue Koordination.
   (The implementation of the plan requires precise coordination.)

💡 How "der Vollzug" is used

Der Vollzug is a term primarily encountered in formal contexts:

• Law and Administration: *The term is central here.* One speaks of *der Vollzug von Gesetzen* (*enforcement of laws*), *Verordnungen* (*regulations*), *Urteilen* (*judgments*), or *Bescheiden* (*official notices*). *Strafvollzug* (*penal execution*) and *Verwaltungsvollzug* (*administrative enforcement*) are established terms.
• Planning and Management: *It can also be used for the implementation of plans, projects, or strategies, often to emphasize the final step of realization.*

Related Verb: The corresponding verb is vollziehen (*to execute, carry out, perform*). Example: Die Beamten vollzogen die Räumung. (*The officers carried out the eviction.*)

Distinction from similar words:

• Durchführung/Ausführung/Umsetzung: *These terms are often synonyms but generally less formal than* Vollzug. *They can be used more broadly.*
• Verzug: *Don't confuse!* Der Verzug means *delay* or *default* – the opposite of timely execution.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Think of *DER* law enforcer, *DER* judge – they ensure *DER Vollzug* of rules. It's often associated with the 'masculine' act of enforcement.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine you *pull* (*Zug*) a plan or law *fully* (*voll*) through until it's completely done. Voll-Zug = *fully pulling through* / *executing completely*.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms of Vollzug

⚠️ Similar but different words:

• Verzug: Means *delay, default* (e.g., *in Verzug geraten* - *to fall into arrears/default*).
• Zug: Can mean *train, draft (air), trait*, but not directly *execution*.

😂 A Little Joke

Treffen sich zwei Beamte. Sagt der eine: "Ich habe heute einen wichtigen Vollzug abgeschlossen!"
Fragt der andere: "Echt? Welchen denn?"
Antwortet der erste stolz: "Den Vollzug meines Mittagsschlafs!" 😉

(Two civil servants meet. One says: "I completed an important execution (Vollzug) today!"
The other asks: "Really? Which one?"
The first proudly replies: "The execution of my afternoon nap!") 😉

📜 Poem about Vollzug

Der Plan lag klar, das Ziel war rein,
doch braucht's die Tat, den hellen Schein.
Nicht nur das Wort, nicht nur der Sinn,
der Vollzug bringt den Gewinn.

Gesetz und Urteil, streng und klar,
wär'n ohne ihn nicht spürbar wahr.
Er greift, er schafft, er setzt ins Werk,
des Handelns starkes, letztes Merk'.

(The plan lay clear, the goal was pure,
but needs the deed, the light secure.
Not just the word, not just the sense,
the execution brings recompense.

Law and judgment, strict and clear,
without it, wouldn't feel real here.
It grasps, it shapes, it puts to work,
action's strong and final mark.)

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin das Ende vom Beschluss,
der Tatkraft letzter, fester Kuss.
Im Amt, vor Gericht, bei Plan und Bau,
mach' ich aus Theorie 'ne Schau.

Was bin ich?

(I am the end of the decision,
the final, firm kiss of action's vision.
In office, in court, in plan and construction,
I turn theory into production.

What am I?)

(Answer: der Vollzug)

➕ Other Information

Word Composition:

Der Vollzug is composed of:

• voll: *Adjective/adverb meaning 'full', 'complete'.*
• Zug: *Noun, derived here from the verb* ziehen *in the sense of 'to carry out', 'to execute'. The old meaning of 'ziehen' as 'to bring something to an end' resonates here.*

Common Terms:

• Strafvollzug: *Penal execution, imprisonment.*
• Vollzugsbeamter/-beamtin: *Enforcement officer* (e.g., *prison officer*, *bailiff*). Officially *Justizvollzugsbeamter* for prison officers.
• Vollzugsanstalt: *Penal institution, prison* (officially *Justizvollzugsanstalt*, JVA).