die Gesetze
Translation
laws
Examples
Man muss sich an die Gesetze halten.
One must abide by the laws.
Nach den neuen Gesetzen ist das verboten.
According to the new laws, that is forbidden.
Grammar Patterns
sich ((an+4)) halten to abide by sth. One must abide by the laws.
((nach+3)) according to sth. According to the new laws, that is forbidden.
Similar Words
Synonyms: die Regeln (rules), die Vorschriften (regulations).
Etymology
From the verb 'setzen' (to set, to place). A law is something 'set down' as a rule. The 'Ge-' prefix often forms collective nouns.
Memory Tips
The '-en' ending in 'Gesetzen' is the typical dative plural ending, often used after prepositions like 'nach' (according to) or 'mit' (with).