Greetings! If you find yourself in need of the phrase “absolutely forbidden” in German, we are here to help you navigate the intricacies of this expression. In this guide, we will explore formal and informal ways to convey this idea in German, focusing on standard German while pointing out any relevant regional variations. We will provide useful tips, examples, and explanations throughout this comprehensive article. So, let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Absolutely Forbidden” in German
When it comes to expressing the concept of “absolutely forbidden” formally, you can use various phrases that convey a strong prohibition. Here are a few options:
- Auf jeden Fall verboten: This phrase translates directly to “absolutely forbidden” and is commonly used in formal contexts. It emphasizes the strictness of the prohibition.
- Ausdrücklich verboten: If you want to add an extra layer of emphasis, you can use this phrase, which means “expressly forbidden.” It conveys the idea that the action is prohibited without any room for interpretation.
- Streng untersagt: Another formal way to express absolute prohibition is through the phrase “streng untersagt,” which means “strictly prohibited.” This phrase emphasizes the severity of the prohibition.
Informal Ways to Say “Absolutely Forbidden” in German
Informal contexts allow for a greater degree of flexibility and creativity when it comes to expressing “absolutely forbidden” in German. Below, you’ll find some commonly used colloquial phrases:
- Auf gar keinen Fall erlaubt: This phrase is a casual way to say “absolutely forbidden” and is commonly used in informal conversations. It conveys a strong sense of prohibition while maintaining a relatively neutral tone.
- Kategorisch verboten: If you wish to add a touch of assertiveness to your phrase, you can use “kategorisch verboten,” which means “categorically forbidden.”
- Absolut tabu: This is a popular phrase among younger generations. “Absolut tabu” translates directly to “absolutely taboo” and is used to express things that are strictly off-limits.
Regional Variations
Standard German is understood and spoken across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and several other German-speaking countries. However, regional variations may exist in vocabulary and pronunciation. While the phrases mentioned above are universally understood, there might be slight variations in regional usage. Here are a couple of examples:
In parts of Austria, you might hear the phrase “ganz und gar verboten” to convey the idea of “absolutely forbidden.” This variation is equally acceptable and widely understood within Austria.
Examples and Usage Tips
Now that we’ve covered the formal, informal, and regional ways to express “absolutely forbidden” in German, let’s take a look at some examples to help you apply these phrases in context.
- Example 1: In a formal setting, you could say, “Die Nutzung des Firmeneigentums ist ausdrücklich verboten” (The use of company property is expressly forbidden).
- Example 2: When expressing the same idea informally, you could say, “Es ist absolut tabu, die Musiksammlung meines Kumpels ohne Erlaubnis zu durchsuchen” (It is absolutely taboo to rummage through my buddy’s music collection without permission).
- Example 3: An alternative informal expression could be, “Auf gar keinen Fall ist es erlaubt, in diesem Bereich zu rauchen” (Under no circumstances is smoking allowed in this area).
Remember, the appropriate phrase to use depends on the context and the level of formality required. Now that you have been introduced to a variety of ways to express “absolutely forbidden” in German, you are well-equipped to handle any situation that calls for such strong prohibition.
We hope this guide has been informative and has provided you with the knowledge you were seeking. Whether you need to express “absolutely forbidden” formally or informally, you can now do so with confidence. Viel Glück! (Good luck!)
