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Anordnung
/ˈanˌʔɔʁnʊŋ/
order
Der Chef gab die Anordnung, das Projekt bis Freitag abzuschließen.
The boss gave the order to complete the project by Friday.
formal
A formal command or directive issued by an authority.
Die Anordnung des Richters war eindeutig.
The judge's order was clear.
Die Anordnung der Bücher auf dem Regal folgte einem bestimmten System.
The arrangement of the books on the shelf followed a specific system.
In legal contexts, 'Anordnung' often refers to a court order or administrative directive. In technical contexts, it can mean the arrangement or layout of elements.
neutral
The act of arranging or organizing things in a particular way.
Die Anordnung der Möbel im Raum wirkt harmonisch.
The arrangement of the furniture in the room is harmonious.
Common in everyday language when referring to the layout or organization of objects.
Collocations
eine Anordnung erlassento issue an ordereine Anordnung befolgento follow an orderdie Anordnung der Elementethe arrangement of elements
Pro Tip
Formal vs. Informal Use
Use 'Anordnung' in formal contexts like legal or administrative orders. For everyday arrangements (e.g., of furniture), 'Anordnung' is acceptable but 'Arrangement' (borrowed from English) is also commonly used.
Gold Rule
Context Matters
Always consider the context to determine whether 'Anordnung' refers to a command or an arrangement. Legal and administrative contexts favor the meaning of 'order', while general contexts favor 'arrangement'.
Word Origin
From Middle High German 'anordnung', from 'anordnen' (to arrange, order), from 'an-' (to) + 'ordnen' (to order, arrange). Related to Old High German 'ordinōn' and Latin 'ordinare'.
Usage Notes
In formal contexts, 'Anordnung' is often used in legal, administrative, or technical settings. In everyday language, it can refer to the arrangement of objects or spaces.
Word Breakdown
an-
prefix indicating direction or addition
prefix-ordnung
order, arrangement
rootDeutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch