Before you start
Meet vorschreiben
Read how the verb is used, then write your own 10 sentences with it.
Build the meaning
vor- + schreiben
- vor-
- in advance, beforehand
- schreiben
- to write
Write something down in advance as a rule or instruction for someone to follow.
So vorschreiben means to prescribe, dictate, or stipulate.
A memory aid, not a rule: prefixes change meaning from verb to verb.
Learning approach inspired by this explanation in r/German.
Verb family
More verbs built on schreiben
Same base verb, a different prefix, a new meaning.
Separable verb: vor·schreiben
In a main clause the prefix vor splits off and goes to the end. After weil, dass and other subordinating words, the verb stays in one piece at the end.
Main clauseDer Arzt schreibt mir Ruhe vor.The doctor prescribes rest for me.
Subordinate clauseIch bleibe zu Hause, weil der Arzt mir Ruhe vorschreibt.I’m staying home because the doctor prescribes rest for me.
Participle: vorgeschriebenzu-infinitive: vorzuschreiben
Forms
How vorschreiben changes
| Pronoun | Präsens | Präteritum |
|---|---|---|
| ich | schreibe vor | schrieb vor |
| du | schreibst vor | schriebst vor |
| er/sie/es | schreibt vor | schrieb vor |
| wir | schreiben vor | schrieben vor |
| ihr | schreibt vor | schriebt vor |
| Sie | schreiben vor | schrieben vor |
Partizip II vorgeschrieben · Perfekt with haben
Three examples
- 1Das Gesetz schreibt feste Regeln vor.The law lays down fixed rules.prefix goes to the end
- 2Die Lehrerin hat uns die Antwort vorgeschrieben.The teacher dictated the answer to us.Perfekt with haben
- 3Ich bin müde, wenn mein Chef mir alles vorschreibt.I get tired when my boss dictates everything to me.verb at the end after wenn
Task 1 of 10 · Build a sentence
Build a German sentence using these words:
vorschreiben + der Chef + die Arbeitszeit
Your challenge
- 1Use the present tense.
- 2Use a dative pronoun for yourself.
- 3Include die Arbeitszeit as what is prescribed.
Task 2 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
The schooldie Schule has prescribed these clothesdie Kleidung for us.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 3 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
When I was a childdas Kind, my parentsdie Eltern often prescribed what I could watchsehen.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 4 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
I followsich halten an the ruledie Regel because the lawdas Gesetz requires it.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 5 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
The rulesdie Regel, die Regeln that the school prescribed are newneu.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 6 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
The doctorder Arzt must not prescribe this medicinedas Medikament to her.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 7 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
My parentsdie Eltern tried to prescribe what I should studystudieren.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 8 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
Who prescribed these rulesdie Regel, die Regeln to you?
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 9 of 10 · Build a sentence
Build a German sentence using these words:
vorschreiben + der Chef + dass
Your challenge
- 1Use the present tense.
- 2Add a dass-clause about starting work at eight.
- 3Put the conjugated verb at the end of the dass-clause.
Task 10 of 10 · Free writing
Answer in one full German sentence:
What rule would you like to prescribe at home or at work?
Your challenge
- 1Answer with a rule you would prescribe at home or work.
- 2Use vorschreiben in the Konjunktiv II.
- 3Include a dass-clause.