Befolgung

/bəˈfɔlɡʊŋ/
compliance

Die Befolgung der neuen Sicherheitsvorschriften ist für alle Mitarbeiter verpflichtend.

Compliance with the new safety regulations is mandatory for all employees.


formal

The act of following or obeying a rule, order, or instruction.

Die Befolgung des Gesetzes ist für jeden Bürger selbstverständlich.

Compliance with the law is a matter of course for every citizen.

Die Befolgung der Anweisungen des Arztes ist entscheidend für die Genesung.

Following the doctor's instructions is crucial for recovery.

Often used in legal, administrative, or organizational contexts.

Pro Tip

Common Collocations

Befolgung is often used with 'der' + plural nouns (e.g., *Befolgung der Regeln*). Avoid using it for personal obedience (e.g., to a person) unless in a formal context.

Word Origin

From Middle High German *befolgunge*, derived from *befolgen* (to follow, obey), itself from Old High German *folgen* (to follow) with the prefix *be-* (intensifying). Related to English 'follow'.

Usage Notes

Common in formal contexts such as laws, regulations, or organizational policies. Often paired with prepositions like *von* (of) or *zu* (to) in compound phrases (e.g., *Befolgung von Gesetzen*).

Word Breakdown

be-
intensifying prefix
prefix
+
folg-
stem of 'folgen' (to follow)
root
+
-ung
forms feminine nouns from verbs
suffix
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