Breakdown of Wann ist das Gesetz in Kraft getreten?
sein
to be
in
in
wann
when
der
who, which, that (relative pronoun; die, das)
Questions & Answers about Wann ist das Gesetz in Kraft getreten?
What is the noun-verb construction in this sentence and what does it literally mean?
The construction is in Kraft treten. Literally, it means to step into power, but it is the standard fixed expression for a law, rule, or treaty coming into effect.
Why does this sentence use ist instead of hat for the Perfekt tense?
The core verb here is treten (to step). Because treten involves movement or a change of state, it always takes sein as its helping verb in the past tense, even when used abstractly in a fixed phrase like this one.
Why is there no article before Kraft? Shouldn't it be in die Kraft?
In many fixed noun-verb constructions, the noun loses its article. Because in Kraft treten operates as a single set phrase rather than referring to a specific physical force, the article is dropped.
Does this noun-verb construction have a single-verb equivalent?
Unlike some noun-verb constructions (such as eine Entscheidung treffen replacing entscheiden), there is no common single verb that means to come into effect. To describe the ongoing state after a law has taken effect, you would use the verb gelten (to be valid).