Sanktionen

/zaŋkˈt͡si̯oːnən/
nounIntermediate
⚖️Law
formal

Measures taken by a government or international organization to enforce compliance with laws, treaties, or international norms, typically involving restrictions on trade, financial transactions, or diplomatic relations.

Die EU hat Sanktionen gegen Russland wegen der Annexion der Krim verhängt.

The EU has imposed sanctions on Russia for the annexation of Crimea.

Die Sanktionen zielen darauf ab, das Regime unter Druck zu setzen.

The sanctions aim to put pressure on the regime.

💡

Sanktionen can be economic, political, or diplomatic in nature and are often used as a tool of international policy.

Collocations

Sanktionen verhängento impose sanctionsSanktionen lockernto ease sanctionsSanktionen verschärfento tighten sanctions

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

wirtschaftliche Sanktionenphrase
economic sanctions
Sanktionen umgehenphrase
to circumvent sanctions

💡Pro Tip

Plural Usage

While 'Sanktion' (singular) exists, 'Sanktionen' (plural) is more commonly used, even when referring to a single measure.

Gold Rule

Formal Context

'Sanktionen' is a formal term typically used in legal, political, or economic contexts. Avoid using it in casual conversation.

📖Word Origin

From Latin 'sanctio' (decree, ordinance), from 'sanctus' (holy, sacred). The term entered German through French 'sanction' in the 18th century.

📝Usage Notes

The plural form 'Sanktionen' is the most common usage in German, though 'Sanktion' (singular) can also be used in certain contexts. The term is frequently used in political and economic discussions.

Word Breakdown

Sankt
holy, sacred
root
+
-ion
action, process
suffix
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