gehorchen /ɡəhˈoːɾçən/ · verb · CEFR B2. German translation of "obey".

See also: Vocabulary entry (German) · Topic: German Kontrolle und Einfluss

Source term
obey
Translation
gehorchen
CEFR Level
B2
Part of speech
verb
Image
Photo of gehorchen (German)

Pronunciation audio — Open the full phoneme overview

Listen to how "gehorchen" sounds in German.

Article, Gender & Forms

This verb is shown in its dictionary form.

Dictionary form gehorchen
Use note Use the form shown here as the lookup form.
How to use it in a sentence
Pattern
Subject + helper/modal + gehorchen
Examples
Wir müssen oft gehorchen.
Tip
Adjust endings and word order to match the full sentence.

Topic context

This word appears in the German Kontrolle und Einfluss.

Example Sentences

Wenn du das Gesetz befolgst, könntest du Probleme mit den Behörden vermeiden.

English: If you obey the law, you could avoid problems with the authorities.

B2 · Control and Influence

Soldaten müssen Befehle in dem Moment ohne Nachfragen befolgen.

English: Soldiers must obey orders without questioning them in the moment.

B2 · Control and Influence

Der Hund gehorchte jedem Befehl, den sein junger Besitzer gab.

English: The dog obeyed every command its young owner gave.

B2 · Control and Influence

Von den Bürgern wird erwartet, dass sie die Gesetze des Landes befolgen.

English: Citizens are expected to obey the laws of the country.

B2 · Control and Influence

Related vocabulary

Practice this in SmartWords

Move from lookup to repetition with guided vocabulary exercises, saved words, and CEFR-based lesson paths.

Keep exploring

Play SmartWords games

Six word games built around our real vocabulary — free in the browser, no install.

Open the game hub →
  • Word Sling illustration

    Word Sling

    Match the center word under time pressure and keep the combo alive.

    Play now →
  • Word Gate illustration

    Word Gate

    Fly through the correct gate before the speed ramps up.

    Play now →
  • Word Ninja illustration

    Word Ninja

    Slice the goal-language words, avoid the main-language decoy, and chase the announced bonus target.

    Play now →
  • Word Zip illustration

    Word Zip

    Trace a single path across the board, hit each letter anchor in order, and fill every open cell.

    Play now →
  • Word Oddity illustration

    Word Oddity

    Pick the word that doesn't belong from a topic-driven set — every tap reveals all four meanings and images so the round becomes a flash-card too.

    Play now →
  • Word Memory illustration

    Word Memory

    Flip and match goal-language words to their main-language meaning before your lives run out.

    Play now →