der Befehl
Translation
command, order, instruction
Examples
Der General gab den Befehl zum Angriff.
The general gave the command to attack.
Er handelte auf meinen Befehl hin.
He acted on my command.
Grammar Patterns
to give ((sb.)) a command/order Der Offizier gab dem Soldaten einen Befehl.
to carry out an order/command Die Soldaten müssen den Befehl ausführen.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Anweisung (instruction), Auftrag (task), Kommando (command); Antonyms: Bitte (request), Frage (question)
Etymology
From the verb 'befehlen' (to command). It consists of the prefix 'be-' and 'fehlen', which comes from Old High German 'felhan' (to entrust).
Memory Tips
Think of 'Befehl' as a very formal and strong command, often used in military or hierarchical contexts. It sounds a bit like 'be fell', as in 'you will be felled if you don't obey'.