strengstens verboten
The English phrase "absolutely forbidden" is translated into German as strengstens verboten.
strengstens verboten is used to state that something is completely not allowed under any circumstances. It is commonly used in formal warnings, signs or official regulations to emphasize that there are no exceptions.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adverb strengstens (most strictly) and the participle verboten (forbidden).
Which one should you use?
You might see Kategorisch verboten (categorically forbidden) or Absolut tabu (absolutely taboo) for similar meanings. For a more formal tone, Ausdrücklich verboten (expressly forbidden) or Streng untersagt (strictly prohibited) are used.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use this as a predicate in a sentence such as 'It is absolutely forbidden', you say 'Es ist strengstens verboten'.
Did you know?
- In German, the superlative form strengstens can be used in everyday speech to exaggerate, such as saying something is 'strengstens empfohlen' to mean 'highly recommended'.
- While strengstens verboten is formal, Germans often use the phrase das geht gar nicht (that doesn't work at all) to express that something is socially forbidden or unacceptable.
- The word streng in strengstens describes both a 'strict' rule and a 'severe' weather condition, such as strenger Frost (severe frost).
Examples in context
- Die Nutzung des Firmeneigentums ist ausdrücklich verbotenThe use of company property is expressly forbidden
- Es ist absolut tabu, die Musiksammlung meines Kumpels ohne Erlaubnis zu durchsuchenIt is absolutely taboo to rummage through my buddy's music collection without permission
- Auf gar keinen Fall ist es erlaubt, in diesem Bereich zu rauchenUnder no circumstances is smoking allowed in this area
- Das Rauchen ist hier strengstens verboten.Smoking is absolutely forbidden here.
- Es ist strengstens verboten, die Museen zu fotografieren.It is absolutely forbidden to photograph the museums.
- Das Betreten des Geländes ist strengstens verboten.Entering the premises is absolutely forbidden.
Example conversation
Hannah and Julian are walking through a nature reserve.
- HannahDarf man hier eigentlich Feuer machen?Is it actually allowed to make a fire here?
- JulianNein, das ist in diesem Wald strengstens verboten.No, that is absolutely forbidden in this forest.
- HannahOh, das wusste ich nicht.Oh, I didn't know that.
- JulianWir sollten uns lieber an die Regeln halten.We should probably stick to the rules.
