das Gesetz
Translation
law, act, statute, principle
Examples
Das ist gegen das Gesetz.
That is against the law.
Ein neues Gesetz wurde verabschiedet.
A new law was passed.
Man muss die Gesetze befolgen.
One must follow the laws.
Grammar Patterns
to be against the law (gegen das Gesetz sein) That is against the law.
to pass a law (ein Gesetz verabschieden) A new law was passed.
to obey the law (das Gesetz befolgen) One must obey the laws.
Similar Words
Synonyms: die Regel (rule), die Vorschrift (regulation); Antonyms: die Anarchie (anarchy)
Etymology
From the verb `setzen` (to set, to place). A law is something that has been 'set down' or established.
Memory Tips
Gesetz sounds like 'ge-SET-z'. A law is something that is 'set' in stone by the government.