befehlen
Translation
commanded, ordered
Examples
Der König befahl den Rückzug.
The king commanded the retreat.
Sie befahl ihm, still zu sein.
She ordered him to be quiet.
Grammar Patterns
((j-m)) ((et4)) ((befehlen)) to command ((sb.)) ((sth.)) The general commanded the attack to the soldiers.
((j-m)), ((zu+Infinitiv)) ((befehlen)) to order ((sb.)) ((to do sth.)) He ordered me to leave the room.
Similar Words
Synonyms: anordnen, anweisen; Antonyms: gehorchen
Etymology
From the prefix 'be-' + 'fehlen' (from an old word meaning 'to recommend'). To strongly recommend an action, hence 'to command'.
Memory Tips
This is the simple past tense of 'befehlen'. Notice the vowel change from 'e' to 'a', which is common in German strong verbs.