SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/de-verboten

A sign says 'Rauchen verboten'. What does it mean?

Verboten means forbidden.

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  1. Smoking is forbidden ✔
  2. Smoking is allowed
  3. Smoking area

Why: Verboten means forbidden or prohibited. Wiktionary even gives 'Rauchen verboten' as 'Do not smoke!'. Obey it and you stay out of trouble.

Huh, didn't know that: English also borrowed the word 'verboten' for something strictly forbidden.

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References

Answer: Smoking is forbidden. Verboten means forbidden or prohibited. Wiktionary even gives 'Rauchen verboten' as 'Do not smoke!'. Obey it and you stay out of trouble.

  1. Wiktionary: verboten en.wiktionary.org/wiki/verboten
    Rauchen verboten Do not smoke!
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. Wiktionary: verboten en.wiktionary.org/wiki/verboten
    forbidden, prohibited, banned
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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