dürfen vs gestatten
German word comparison
Listen to dürfen
Listen to gestatten
| dürfen | gestatten |
|---|---|
DÜR-fen verb | ge-SHTAH-ten verb |
| to be allowed to; may | to permit; to allow |
How they differ
"Gestatten" is a more formal or official verb than "dürfen." It is often used by authorities, institutions, or in written language, and it sounds less personal than everyday permission with "dürfen."
When to use each
When to use dürfen: Use "dürfen" in normal spoken German when talking about permission in everyday situations.
When to use gestatten: Use "gestatten" when permission is being granted in a formal, official, or polite institutional way.
Side-by-side examples
- Sie dürfen hier parken.
(You are allowed to park here.) - Das Parken ist hier gestattet.
(Parking is permitted here.)
Register & nuance: "Gestatten" is noticeably more formal and is common in signs, rules, and official announcements.