vor|schreiben
Translation
to prescribe, to stipulate, to dictate, to specify
Examples
Das Gesetz schreibt das so vor.
The law stipulates it that way.
Der Arzt schreibt mir ein Medikament vor.
The doctor prescribes me a medication.
Lass dir nichts vorschreiben.
Don't let anyone dictate to you.
Grammar Patterns
((j-m)) ((et4)) vorschreiben to prescribe sth. to sb. The doctor prescribes a medication to the patient.
((et4)) vorschreiben to stipulate sth. The rules stipulate a certain procedure.
((j-m)), ((was/wie...)) vorschreiben to dictate to sb. what/how... Don't dictate to me what I have to do.
Similar Words
Etymology
From 'vor-' (before, for) and 'schreiben' (to write). Literally 'to write before/for someone', as in writing down rules or a prescription for them.
Memory Tips
Imagine a doctor 'writing' (schreiben) a prescription 'for' (vor-) a patient. Or a law being written down for people to follow.