Pronunciation: [ˈɐt͡ʃt] (IPA) 
The German word "acht" means "eight" in English. It is spelled with a combination of the letters "a", "c", "h", and "t". In IPA phonetic transcription, it is represented as /axt/. The "a" sound is pronounced with a neutral vowel sound, the "ch" is pronounced as a guttural sound similar to "k", and the "t" is pronounced as a normal English "t". In German, "acht" is often used for counting, but it can also be used in everyday speech as well.
Acht is a German noun that translates to "law" or "act" in English. Rooted in the Old High German "ahta," which means "command" or "deed," acht is primarily used within the legal context but also finds application in various other areas of German society.
As a legal term, acht refers to a decree or regulation issued by an authority or governing body. It denotes an official rule, ordinance, or statute having legal force, typically aimed at ensuring compliance, preventing wrongdoings, or resolving disputes. Acht encompasses a wide range of legal pronouncements, from legislative acts passed by national or regional parliaments to decrees issued by local authorities. It can also refer to specific provisions or clauses within legal texts.
Moreover, acht can designate a disciplinary action or penalty imposed as a consequence of breaking a particular law or regulation. This usage is derived from the historical practice of imposing punishments or bans, known as "outlawry," for those found guilty of serious offenses. In this context, "in acht nehmen" signifies to respect or abide by the law, while "in acht gesetzt sein" refers to being subject to legal repercussions.
Beyond the legal sphere, acht may appear in idiomatic expressions or as part of compound words that extend its meanings into other realms. For instance, "achtgeben" signifies being attentive or cautious, "achtlos" conveys carelessness or neglect, and "achter" denotes the number "eight" in German. Overall, acht remains an essential term in German vocabulary, reflecting the foundational role that law and order hold within society.
The word "acht" has its etymological roots in the Old High German word "aht", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "akhtoz". This ultimately traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*oktō(w)" meaning "eight". The word has remained relatively consistent throughout the Germanic languages, including Old English "eahta", Old Norse "átta", and Dutch "acht".
