die  Weisung

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈvaɪ̯zʊŋ/

📜 What does "die Weisung" mean?

Die Weisung (noun, feminine) refers to an instruction, a directive, or an order, often given by a superior entity (e.g., a boss, an authority) to a subordinate entity or person. It implies an obligation to comply.

Unlike a simple request (Bitte) or suggestion (Vorschlag), a Weisung has a binding character (verbindlicher Charakter). It serves to direct actions, control processes, or ensure specific outcomes.

Examples of contexts:

• Workplace: A supervisor gives an employee a Weisung to complete a task.
• Authorities: An authority issues a Weisung to a citizen or another institution.
• Law: In procedural law, courts can issue Weisungen.

🚨 Attention: A Weisung is more formal and often stricter than a simple Anweisung (instruction). The term Befehl (command) is even stronger and commonly used in military contexts.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Focus: Die Weisung

The word "Weisung" is a feminine noun. The article is die.

Declension

📝 Example Sentences

• Der Abteilungsleiter erteilte eine klare Weisung. (The department head issued a clear instruction.)
• Die Mitarbeiter müssen sich an die Weisungen der Geschäftsführung halten. (The employees must adhere to the management's directives.)
• Gemäß der ministeriellen Weisung wurde das Verfahren geändert. (According to the ministerial directive, the procedure was changed.)
• Er handelte auf Weisung seines Anwalts. (He acted on the instruction of his lawyer.)
• Die Weisung enthielt detaillierte Anweisungen. (The directive contained detailed instructions.)

✍️ Usage Notes: When to use "Weisung"?

"Die Weisung" is primarily used in formal contexts, especially where a hierarchy or relationship of authority exists.

• Professional: When superiors give orders to employees ("Ich habe die Weisung erhalten, das Projekt bis Freitag abzuschließen." - "I received the instruction to finish the project by Friday.").
• Official/Legal: When authorities, courts, or other official bodies issue orders ("Das Gericht erteilte dem Angeklagten die Weisung, sich regelmäßig bei der Polizei zu melden." - "The court instructed the defendant to report regularly to the police.").
• Administrative: Within organizations to control procedures ("Es gibt eine neue interne Weisung zur Nutzung der Firmenwagen." - "There is a new internal directive regarding the use of company cars.").

Distinction from similar terms:

• Anweisung: Often used synonymously, but can sometimes be slightly less strict or formal than a Weisung. An Anweisung can also be a set of instructions (e.g., Gebrauchsanweisung - user manual).
• Anordnung: Very similar to Weisung, often emphasizing the command character and the need for implementation.
• Befehl: Significantly stronger and more authoritarian, often used in military or police contexts, implying unconditional obedience.
• Instruktion: Similar to Anweisung, often more detailed and step-by-step.
• Auflage: A condition or obligation often associated with a permission or decision ("Die Baugenehmigung wurde unter Auflagen erteilt." - "The building permit was granted under conditions.").

Generally, "Weisung" expresses a clear, binding guideline coming from an authorized source.

🧠 Mnemonics for "Weisung"

For the article "die": Think of directives or instructions often coming from a female authority figure (die Chefin - the female boss). Since many abstract nouns ending in '-ung' are feminine in German, this fits the pattern. Remember: She gives the instruction -> die Weisung.

For the meaning "instruction/directive": The word Weisung comes from the verb weisen (to show, to point, to direct). A Weisung *shows* you the *wise* way to do something, or *points* you in the direction you must go. It *directs* your actions.

↔️ Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but different words:

• Unterweisung: (Instruction, briefing) Refers more to teaching, training, or briefing someone on a task (e.g., Sicherheitsunterweisung - safety briefing).
• Beweis: (Proof, evidence) Verification of the truth of a statement.
• Zuweisung: (Allocation, assignment) The act of assigning something (e.g., tasks, resources).

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Chef den neuen Mitarbeiter: "Haben Sie meine E-Mail mit der Weisung gelesen?"
Antwortet der Mitarbeiter: "Ja, aber ich dachte, das wäre nur ein Vorschlag zur Verbesserung meiner Freizeitgestaltung."

Translation:

The boss asks the new employee: "Did you read my email with the directive?"
The employee replies: "Yes, but I thought it was just a suggestion for improving my leisure time activities."

📜 A Short Poem

Die Weisung kommt, ganz klar und schlicht,
ein Auftrag fest, ein Tun, 'ne Pflicht.
Von oben herab, mit ernstem Ton,
befolgen muss man sie nun schon.
Kein Vorschlag nur, kein leises Wort,
die Weisung weist den rechten Ort.

Translation:

The directive comes, quite clear and plain,
A firm task set, an act, a strain.
From high above, with serious sound,
Obedience must now be found.
No mere suggestion, no soft word said,
The directive shows the path ahead.

🧩 Riddle

Ich bin kein Wunsch, ich bin kein Rat,
doch folgst du mir, das ist die Tat.
Von Chefs und Ämtern werd' ich oft gegeben,
um Ordnung zu bringen ins Leben.
Mein Artikel ist feminin, das ist klar.

Was bin ich?

Translation:

I am not a wish, I am not advice,
But follow me, that's the required price.
From bosses and offices, I'm often sent,
To bring order to life's event.
My article is feminine, that much is clear.

What am I?

Solution: die Weisung (the instruction/directive)

💡 Additional Information

Word Formation (Wortbildung):

The word "Weisung" is a nominalization (substantivization) of the verb stem of "weisen" using the suffix "-ung".

• weisen: to show, to point, to direct, to instruct, to indicate
• -ung: Suffix used to form nouns from verbs, often denoting the result or process of the action (typically feminine).

Related Verbs (Verwandte Verben):

• anweisen: to instruct, to direct someone (jemanden anweisen, etwas zu tun - to instruct someone to do something).
• verweisen: to refer, to point to, to direct someone elsewhere.
• zuweisen: to assign, to allocate something to someone.
• unterweisen: to instruct, to brief, to teach someone something specific.