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 The officer gave the soldier a command.
to carry out an order/command The soldiers must carry out the order.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Anweisung (instruction), Auftrag (assignment), Kommando (command); Antonyms: Bitte (request), Frage (question)
Etymology
Derived from the verb 'befehlen' (to command). It combines the prefix 'be-' with 'fehlen', from Old High German 'felhan' (to entrust, recommend).
Memory Tips
Imagine a bee ('Be-') that fails ('-fehl') to listen, so you have to give it a firm command. 'Befehl' implies authority.