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The verbs benutzen and nutzen both refer to "use" in German, but differ in nuance and application.
Benutzen refers to the concrete, practical use of tools or objects, often implying direct handling. The spelling benutzen is standard for the northern part of Germany, while the variant benützen is used in southern regions, Austria, and Switzerland.
Wir benutzen immer das gleiche Papier.
We always use the same paper.
Caption 23, Großstadtrevier: Nicht mit mir
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Am Telefon benutzt man häufig „Auf Wiederhören“.
"Goodbye" is often used on the telephone.
Caption 38, Deutsch für Anfänger #2: Begrüßen und verabschieden
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Deswegen schneide ich diesen Teil hier ab und benutze nur diesen.
Therefore, I'll cut off this part here and just use this.
Caption 36, Weihnachtsplätzchen backen: mit Diane und vielen kleinen Helfern
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Nutzen and nützen, which are likewise interchangeable synonyms, convey making use of something that may be more abstract, such as opportunities or skills.
Es wäre doch Zeitverschwendung, würden sie die getane Arbeit nicht nutzen.
It would be a waste of time, if they didn't make use of the work that had been done.
Caption 64, Märchen - Sagenhaft: Die drei Brüder
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Frei, wer seine Freiheit nützt .
Free is he who makes use of his freedom.
Caption 6, Nationalhymnen: Schweizerpsalm
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While benutzen requires accusative for concrete nouns, these verbs can often pair with dative objects to mean "to be useful," as in Das nützt dir nichts ("That won't help you").
Wir haben gearbeitet, gearbeitet, gearbeitet... und trotzdem, ja, hat alles nichts genützt.
We have worked, worked, worked... and, in spite of it all, yeah, it was all of no use.
Captions 75-76, Deutschkurs in Tübingen: Weil oder obwohl?
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Aber nutzt ja nichts, jetzt ist Winter.
But it's no use, it's winter now.
Caption 53, Deutsche Sporthilfe: Ball des Sports
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Da nützt dir auch 'n Preis nix.
Even an award is of no use to you.
Caption 43, Lerchenberg: Viva La Television!
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Further Learning
You'll find these verbs in use on Yabla German, and can notice how the spelling reflects the speaker's accent.
German nouns ending in -schaft are generally words for qualities, conditions, or collective groups. These nouns are always feminine and can be derived from nouns, adjectives, or verbs.
One English suffix that is similar is "-ship," like in the words "friendship," "championship," and "membership."
Hat es eure Freundschaft verändert?
Has it changed your friendship?
Caption 10, Die Wohngemeinschaft: Probleme
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Also, wir waren letztes Wochenende auch auf der deutschen Meisterschaft.
Well, we were at the German championships last weekend.
Caption 40, Geoökologie: Cettina interviewt Sarah
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... hat Großbritannien formal den Europäischen Rat darüber zu unterrichten, dass es seine Mitgliedschaft beenden möchte.
...Great Britain must formally inform the European Council that it would like to end its membership.
Captions 2-3, Brexit-Votum: Merkel warnt vor Spaltung Europas
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However, German words for nouns as diverse as "the message" and "the landscape" also end with -schaft (see "Further Learning" below!), so mainly it's a matter of learning them individually rather than expecting a pattern. At the same time, there are a few clusters of words for related concepts:
Die internationale Gemeinschaft bemüht sich um Friedensverhandlungen.
The international community is trying to negotiate peace.
Caption 67, Langsam gesprochene Nachrichten: Künstliche Intelligenz und Nahostkonflikt
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Da das Wasser in meiner Nachbarschaft ziemlich hart ist, gebe ich noch etwas Weichspüler in die Waschmaschine.
Since the water in my neighborhood is quite hard, I additionally put some fabric softener in the washing machine.
Captions 14-15, Wäsche waschen: mit Eva
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Sie ist wichtig für ein gutes Miteinander in der Gesellschaft.
It is important for good coexistence in society.
Caption 32, Bundesregierung: Wie geht Raumordnung?
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And to conclude, here are two examples of nouns ending in -schaft that are derived from adjectives:
Wir erwarten von Ihnen außerdem Bereitschaft zu umfänglicher Reisetätigkeit.
We additionally expect you to be open to extensive travel activity.
Caption 13, Bundestagswahl – Stellenanzeige: Bundeskanzler gesucht
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Und eine Schwangerschaft ist übrigens kein Grund, nicht mitzuhelfen.
And pregnancy is no reason not to help.
Caption 18, Nicos Weg: Partnerschaft
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Further Learning
There are many more nouns ending with -schaft that you can look for on Yabla German, including die Botschaft, die Eigenschaft, die Landschaft, die Mannschaft, die Wirtschaft, and die Wissenschaft.
Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for our next lesson, and send your topic suggestions to [email protected].
Frohes neues Jahr! In the past, we have looked at vocabulary related to New Year's Eve and New Year's resolutions in these lessons. The new year is certainly a time when many people make plans, and this is where the noun das Vorhaben and the verb etwas vorhaben also come into play.
When expressing having an intention or a plan to do something, the separable verb etwas vorhaben is used.
Und auch sonst hat Angelique Kerber in diesem Jahr noch einiges vor.
And otherwise, Angelique Kerber also has some more plans for this year.
Caption 26, Angelique Kerber: Fotoshooting mit Porsche
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Was hast du vor?
What are you planning?
Caption 32, Nicos Weg B1: Mein Gehalt?
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Ich schlage also vor, wir schließen Bekanntschaft mit diesen Fremden, und dann sehen wir ja, was sie wirklich vorhaben.
So, I suggest we get acquainted with these strangers, and then we'll see what their intentions really are.
Captions 25-26, Es war einmal... der Weltraum: Die Saurier
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Ich hatte schon lange vor, mal ein Video über die Modalverben zu machen.
For a long time, I've been meaning to make a video about the modal verbs.
Captions 2-3, Deutsch mit Eylin: Modalverben
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The noun das Vorhaben has numerous possible translations, including "the plan," "the intention," "the project," "the undertaking." While etwas vorhaben is truly used in everyday conversation, das Vorhaben is a relatively formal noun used, for example, in business or political contexts.
Und das ist eigentlich jetzt die Aufgabe: die Partner jetzt auch so zu strukturieren, dass wir an einem ganz großen Vorhaben gemeinsam arbeiten können.
And that is actually the task now: to structure the partners in such a way that we can work collectively on one very large project.
Captions 17-19, Rhein-Main-TV: 200 Jahre Senckenberg
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Die beiden älteren lachten nur und waren sicher, dass es sein Vorhaben schon bald aufgeben würde.
The two elder [brothers] just laughed and were sure that he would already soon abandon his plans.
Captions 22-23, Märchen - Sagenhaft: Die drei kleinen Schweinchen
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Further Learning
Try creating your own sentences to express your plans for 2026! You'll also find many examples of das Vorhaben and etwas vorhaben used in context on Yabla German.
A number of German verbs have legen as a root. Let's go alphabetically and explore some of the most common words.
The verbs auflegen and einlegen each have a number of different translations. The verb auflegen describes putting something on top of something else and, by extension, can mean "to hang up the phone" or "to play music as a DJ." It is also used to refer to publishing an edition. The verb einlegen literally means "to put something into something," which can be physical in the case of fermenting or pickling vegetables (eingelegtes Gemüse) or immaterial in the case of raising an objection (Einspruch einlegen) or taking a break (eine Pause einlegen).
Max? -Henri, ich muss jetzt leider auflegen.
Max? -Henri, I have to hang up now, unfortunately.
Caption 28, Die Pfefferkörner: Endspurt
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Erschöpft legen Franz Obermeier, seine Söhne und Helfer eine Pause ein.
Exhausted, Franz Obermeier, his sons and helpers take a break.
Caption 8, Die letzten Paradiese Schätze der Natur: Südtirol
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The verb festlegen is more straightforward, as it is always related to determining, defining, or ascertaining something.
Figuren und Reitstil sind seit Jahrhunderten genau festgelegt.
The figures and riding style have been precisely defined for centuries.
Caption 46, Die Alpen von oben - S1 E2: Von Graz ins Ausseerland
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And sich hinlegen simply means "to lie down."
Es legte sich hin und schlief sofort ein.
She laid herself down and immediately fell asleep.
Caption 43, Märchen - Sagenhaft: Goldlöckchen und die drei Bären
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You'll hear the verb loslegen quite often at the beginning of Yabla videos:
Ja, ja, das geht dann auch schneller. -Na, dann lass uns loslegen!
Yes, yes, then it will also go faster. -Well, then let's get started!
Caption 44, Abenteuer Nordsee: Unter Riesenhaien und Tintenfischen
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The verb offenlegen means "to reveal."
Das Null-zu-null beim leidenschaftlich kämpfenden Hamburger SV legte das Problem des Rekordmeisters offen.
The zero to zero outcome against a Hamburg squad, [ho fought passionately, revealed the master record champion's main problem.
Captions 19-20, Fußball pur Paderborn: im Rausch
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The first non-separable verb of our list is überlegen, "to consider."
Schön... Lass mich mal überlegen.
Nice... Let me think about it.
Caption 28, Deutsch mit Eylin: Anruf bei einer neuen Bekannten
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The verb verlegen means "to misplace" or "to lose," but it is also an adjective that means "embarrassed."
„Ach so, hm“, meinte Frederick verlegen. „Dann können wir ja weitergehen.“
"Ah, so, hm," said Frederick sheepishly. "Then, indeed, we can keep walking."
Caption 34, Piggeldy und Frederick: Das Lachen
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The verb zurücklegen means "to put back," but also "to cover" in the context below:
Elftausend Kilometer haben Sie mit dem Fahrrad zurückgelegt.
You have traveled eleven thousand kilometers [nearly seven thousand miles] with the bicycle.
Caption 8, Mountainbiken: Auf dem Anden-Trail
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Further Learning
You'll find many videos with these verbs used in context on Yabla German. You can also do a search for many other verbs with the root legen, such as ablegen, anlegen, beilegen, freilegen, and more.
Just as English has "to lie" and "to lay," German has the verbs liegen and legen.
The verb liegen describes a state of being in a horizontal or resting position. The past participle of liegen is gelegen and the simple past tense is lag, lagst, lagt, or lagen, depending on the subject.
Zu Füßen der Bergmassive liegen zauberhafte Wasserlandschaften.
At the foot of the mountain ranges lie magical water landscapes.
Caption 9, Alpenseen: Kühle Schönheiten
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Ihre Räumlichkeiten sind ja wirklich sehr zentral gelegen.
Your premises are indeed really very centrally located.
Caption 14, Eva erklärt: Bewerbungen
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Ist das der Tee aus Debbies Kisten, der vorhin auf dem Boden lag? -Ja.
Is this the tea from Debbie's boxes that was lying on the floor earlier? -Yes.
Caption 30, Die Pfefferkörner: Endspurt
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One helpful way to think about it is that while the verb liegen is used to specify position or location ("Where?"), legen specifies direction ("Where to?"). The past participle is gelegt and the preterite is legte, legtest, legtet, or legten. This verb can also be translated as "to put" or "to place."
Dann versuche, das Kissen so zu legen: ein Kissen dort, ein Kissen dort.
Then try to place the pillow: one pillow there, one pillow there.
Caption 62, Die Schmerzspezialisten: Diese Schlafposition solltest du unbedingt vermeiden!
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Die gewaschenen Kartoffeln werden jetzt in einen Topf mit kochendem Wasser gelegt.
The washed potatoes are now placed in a pot of boiling water.
Caption 20, Bundesländer und ihre Rezepte: Bremen
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Die Königin schlich hinauf in das Zimmer der jungen Frau und legte eine Erbse auf den Holzrahmen des Bettes.
The Queen crept upstairs into the room of the Young Woman and laid a pea on the wooden frame of the bed.
Captions 68-69, Märchen - Sagenhaft: Die Prinzessin auf der Erbse
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In English, "to lie" has two meanings, of course, and the different past tenses ("lied" and "lay") cause some confusion. The German verb for saying something that isn’t truthful is lügen. The main thing is to be careful not to confuse the past participles gelogen and gelegen.
Wenn ich nicht heute für sie gelogen hätte, dann hätte die Frau sie mitgenommen.
If I hadn't lied for her today, then the woman would have taken her away.
Captions 53-54, Die Pfefferkörner: Alles auf Anfang
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Further Learning
You'll find many videos with these verbs used in context on Yabla German. Try writing your own sentences in the present and past tense.
Since they are nouns, the German word for every animal is either masculine, feminine, or neuter. In this example, you can see that der Bussard is masculine, while die Katze is feminine:
Doch der Mäusebussard auf dem Ast hat die scheue Katze nur aufgeschreckt.
But the common buzzard on the branch has only startled the shy cat.
Caption 22, Alpenseen: Kühle Schönheiten
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In English, only pets and anthropomorphized characters are referred to as "he" or "she," whereas wild animals are generally referred to as "it." This is not the case in German, where the gender is always maintained. You can see this in the following examples, which involve weighing a wild bat (die Fledermaus), the plight of the beaver (der Biber), the nests of the white-throated dipper (die Wasseramsel), and a pet catfish named Ottl.
Jetzt werden wir sie noch wiegen.
Now we're going to weigh it.
Caption 48, Die Alpen von oben: S1 E1 Von den Karawanken nach Graz
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Früher wurde er sehr viel gejagt, denn sein Fell war sehr begehrt.
It used to be hunted a lot because its fur was very much in demand.
Captions 16-17, Für Tierfreunde: Wildtiere in Deutschland
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Ihre Kugelnester baut sie gern auf halber Höhe über dem Wasser.
It likes to build its spherical nests halfway up above the water.
Caption 36, Die letzten Paradiese: Die Schönheit der Alpen 1
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Auch wenn der Ottl gleich alt ist wie sein Besitzer, in der Länge hat er ihn mit zwei Meter elf längst überholt.
Even though Ottl is the same age as his owner, he has long since overtaken him with a length of two meters eleven centimeters.
Captions 29-30, Die Alpen von oben: S1 E1 Von den Karawanken nach Graz
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Generally, the third person plural is consistent in both languages:
Sie wehren sich mit ihren starken Zähnen und Krallen.
They defend themselves with their strong teeth and claws.
Caption 46, Deutsch mit Eylin: Unsere 5 Katzen
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The next example is rather unusual. Because the animal in question is das Schweinchen ("the piglet"), the pronoun is es. But because it's a character—one of the three little pigs—"he" is used in English for the purpose of personification.
Es hörte seine Pfoten auf dem Dach und durchschaute den Wolf sofort.
He heard his paws on the roof and saw through the [plans of the] Wolf immediately.
Caption 70, Märchen: Sagenhaft Die drei kleinen Schweinchen
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Further Learning
You'll find many videos about animals on Yabla German, including the new video about Lipizzaner horses featured above.
Cake plays a significant role in German baking, and therefore in German culture. Many social gatherings include Kaffee und Kuchen, and those in the run-up to Christmas are no exception. Particularly at this time of year, der Stollen—a dense loaf with raisins, candied fruit, and/or almonds—is widely available in stores. It is also known as Christstollen or Dresdner Stollen, after the city of Dresden, where it originated.
Wir haben jedes Jahr im Advent Stollen gegessen.
We ate stollen every year during Advent.
Caption 24, Nicos Weg A2 Folge 64: Lieblingsfeste
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But people gather for afternoon coffee and cake all year long, be it in cafés or at home. Depending on the structure of the cake, you might say der Kuchen or die Torte. Both of these words are often seen as compound nouns that describe a specific kind of cake.
Welchen Kuchen können Sie am besten backen?
Which cake can you bake best?
Caption 27, Nicos Weg A2 Folge 35: Was darf es sein?
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Bin gleich wieder da! -und ein frisch gebackener Apfelkuchen.
I'll be right back! -and a freshly baked apple cake.
Caption 69, Die Pfefferkörner: Endspurt - Part 19
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Ich find, das ist einfach so ein perfekter Blechkuchen.
I think it's simply a perfect tray-baked cake.
Caption 41, Sallys Tortenwelt und Kochwelt: Apfelkuchen mit Marzipan und Mandelsplittern
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Du hast eine Torte und die teilst du in der Mitte durch und dann ist sie geteilt, klar?
You have a cake and you cut it through the middle and then it is divided, [is that] clear?
Captions 58-59, Otto Waalkes: Die verflixte Rechenaufgabe
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Some cakes involve die Streusel, which is a crumble topping. Others involve glazes or icing:
Und jetzt mach ich hier noch einen kleinen Guss drüber.
And now I'll make a small glaze over it here.
Caption 5, Sallys Tortenwelt und Kochwelt: Apfelkuchen mit Marzipan und Mandelsplittern
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Während diese abkühlen, bereite ich schon einmal die Glasur vor.
While they cool down, I'm going to prepare the icing.
Captions 46-47, Weihnachtsplätzchen backen: mit Paula
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Further Learning
Learn more about the difference between der Kuchen and die Torte by searching the internet for images, or look up examples on Yabla German.
From slang to more formal expressions, there are a number of different verbs that mean "to eat" in German.
Any Yabla German beginners might still be grappling with the conjugation of essen, which involves a stem change:
Als Beilage isst man auch sehr gerne Kartoffelsalat.
People like to eat potato salad very much as a side dish.
Caption 60, Bundesländer und ihre Rezepte Baden-Württemberg - Part 2
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More advanced learners should know verzehren, which is generally a more formal verb. You could compare it to using "to consume" in English. Be aware, however, that sich verzehren nach means "to deeply long for" someone or something.
Ich sollte ihn einfangen und verzehren.
I should catch him and eat him up.
Caption 51, Märchenstunde: Der Lebkuchenmann
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Woher wissen wir überhaupt, welche Tiere im Mittelalter verzehrt wurden?
How do we even know which animals were eaten in the Middle Ages?
Captions 1-2, Das Mittelalter im Südwesten: Wovon lebten die Bauern?
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Now let's look at some fun slang options. Although fressen is a normal verb used to talk about animals eating, it can also be applied to humans when they eat in a way that seems animalistic—such as devouring food, eating greedily, or making a mess. In those contexts, it often carries a nuance of greed or lack of manners and may sometimes be translated as "to guzzle."
Täglich fressen sie bis zu anderthalb Kilogramm Gras und Kräuter.
Every day they eat up to one and a half kilograms of grass and herbs.
Caption 33, Alpenseen: Kühle Schönheiten
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Das Pferd frisst gerne Äpfel.
The horse likes eating apples.
Caption 38, Deutsch mit Eylin: Pronomen
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The verb naschen has the connotation of snacking.
So ein prächtiger Baum voller Kirschen macht einfach Lust aufs Naschen.
Such a magnificent tree full of cherries simply makes you want to have a nibble.
Caption 1, Die letzten Paradiese: Die Schönheit der Alpen 2
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In a previous lesson, we looked at the difference between futtern and füttern. The verb futtern without an umlaut means "to eat," "to feed (on)," or "to scarf down."
Alle Zellen werden leben, wenn wir ihnen zu futtern geben.
All the cells will live if we give them something to feed on.
Caption 24, Es war einmal ... das Leben Die Zelle - Part 3
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Further Learning
You'll find more examples of these verbs on Yabla German.
Last week, we looked at the noun die Haft as well as the verbs haften and verhaften. But -haft is also an adjective ending that can be attached to a noun to indicate that something possesses, displays, or is characterized by a particular quality
Some of the English equivalents end with "-ful." In the first example below, the noun is der Schmerz, and therefore schmerzhaft means "having," "being marked by," or "full of" pain, i.e. painful.
Trotzdem bleibt am Ende das ein oder andere schmerzhafte Andenken.
Nevertheless, some painful souvenirs remain at the end.
Caption 122, Galileo: Die erste Stehwasserrutsche der Welt
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The following adjectives are used to describe having an advantage (der Vorteil), causing disgust (der Ekel), possessing the quality of a mystery (das Rätsel), and possessing the quality of a legend (die Sage).
Für Fische, die ihre Nahrung in kleinen Portionen und über weite Entfernungen zu sich nehmen, ist es vorteilhaft, alleine unterwegs zu sein,
For fish that consume their diet in small portions and over long distances, it is advantageous to travel alone
Captions 22-23, Evolution: Meeresbewohner
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Die sind ja ekelhaft.
They're truly despicable.
Caption 5, Es war einmal... der Mensch: Der Neandertaler
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Rätselhaft bleibt, wieso er es unter einer anderen Leinwand verbarg.
It remains puzzling why he hid it under another canvas.
Caption 19, Munch-Ausstellung: Rätsel hinter der Leinwand
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Ich find es toll. Also, ich finde hier den Ausblick sagenhaft.
I think it's great. Well, I find the view here fabulous.
Caption 25, Berlin: Hauptstadt des vereinten Deutschland
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Because adjectives also function as adverbs, some of these words with -haft will be used more commonly as adverbs.
Das heißt, dass diese Fläche dauerhaft gesichert wird.
This means that this area will be permanently secured.
Caption 24, WWF Deutschland: Urwald in Deutschland?
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Früher wurden sie massenhaft gefangen.
They used to be caught in large quantities.
Caption 19, Alpenseen: Kühle Schönheiten
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Further Learning
See what other adjectives ending with -haft you can find on Yabla German.
Today we'll look at the verbs constructions daran haften and für etwas/jemanden haften, as well as verhaften and the noun die Haft.
The verb an etwas haften or an etwas haften bleiben generally means to physically stick, cling, or adhere to something. In these examples, it's used to describe cookie dough and also in a metaphorical sense:
... und die Arbeitsoberfläche ein bisschen mit Mehl ausgestreut, damit der Teig nicht daran haften bleibt.
...and sprinkled the work surface with a little flour so that the dough doesn't stick to it.
Captions 35-36, Weihnachtsplätzchen backen mit Paula
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Es haftet besser im Kopf. Es bleibt hängen.
It sticks better in your head. It gets stuck [in your mind].
Caption 38, Rheinmain im Blick: Gedenken an KZ-Außenlager in Frankfurt
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On the other hand, für etwas haften relates to a less physical sticking: to be liable or responsible for something.
Wer haftet, wenn ein Auto beschädigt wird, weil es zu weit in die Straße ragt?
Who is liable if a car is damaged because it protrudes too far into the street?
Caption 57, Richter Alexander: Hold Richtig parken
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It's important to distinguish between the verbs haften and verhaften, as jemanden verhaften means to arrest or detain someone.
Zu einem demokratischen Rechtsstaat gehört es nicht, dass... Menschen von einer Privatpolizei ohne Grund verhaftet werden.
It is not part of a democratic constitutional state that... people can be arrested by a private police force without reason.
Captions 26-27, Bundesrepublik: Deutschland Einbürgerungstest
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Sie sind verhaftet wegen Drogenbesitzes.
You're under arrest for drug possession.
Caption 35, Die Pfefferkörner: Alles auf Anfang
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Considering this verb, it makes sense that die Haft is the noun for imprisonment, detention, or custody.
Was machen Sie denn hier? Ich denke, Sie sind in Untersuchungshaft?
What are you doing here? I thought you were in custody?
Caption 35, Großstadtrevier: Nicht mit mir
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Further Learning
Watch one of the many crime and detective series on Yabla German, such as Großstadtrevier, and you'll likely spot more examples with verhaften and die Haft.
The English verb "to try" has a number of different meanings, and each of these corresponds to a different German verb.
For example, the verb versuchen means "to try" as in "to attempt."
Ich versuche nun mit dem Schneebesen die Klumpen zu lösen.
I'm now going to try to break up the clumps with a whisk.
Caption 30, Bundesländer und ihre Rezepte: Brandenburg
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Oh, das hört sich nicht so gut an. Hast du versucht, darüber zu reden?
Oh, that does not sound so good. Have you tried to talk about it?
Caption 37, Die Wohngemeinschaft: Probleme
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A similar way to express this is sich Mühe geben or sich bemühen, although this is better translated as "to make an effort" or "to endeavor."
Auf der Domäne Dahlem bemühen sie sich, ökologischen Landwirtschaftsbau zu betreiben.
At the Domain Dahlem they endeavor to pursue ecologically sound agricultural practices.
Captions 24-25, Berlin Domäne Dahlem - Part 1
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Another meaning of "to try" is more similar "to test" or "to taste." For this, we need to understand the distinction between probieren and ausprobieren. The verb probieren is commonly—though not exclusively—used for food and drink. The verb ausprobieren carries the nuance of trying something out in order to find out how it works, how it feels, or whether you like it. As you can see here, probieren is used for tea and casserole, while ausprobieren is used for skydiving and cooking.
Ich habe den Tee doch selbst probiert.
I tried the tea myself.
Caption 22, Die Pfefferkörner: Endspurt
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Der Auflauf ist nun fertig und bereit zum Probieren.
The casserole is now finished and ready to try.
Caption 58, Bundesländer und ihre Rezepte: Bremen
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Ihr müsst das einfach mal ausprobieren.
You simply must try it out.
Caption 17, Abenteuer und Sport: Fallschirmspringen
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Ich hoffe, ihr probiert das Rezept mal zu Hause aus.
I hope you try out the recipe at home.
Caption 44, Deutsch mit Paula: Vegane Pfannkuchen backen
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When talking about trying food, some people might also use the verb kosten. And yes, it's spelled exactly the same as the verb for "to cost."
Aber die meisten Leute kommen her, um das leckere Essen zu kosten...
But most people come here to taste the delicious food...
Caption 11, Weihnachtsmärkte mit Eva
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Es heißt, es soll auch gut sein, das Heilwasser hier zu kosten.
They say it's also supposed to be good to taste the healing water here.
Captions 66-67, Yabla reist durch Europa: Wiesbaden
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There is also the legal meaning of "to try," and this is vor Gericht stellen.
Further Learning
You'll find many, many examples of these verbs on Yabla German, so search for them and then try writing your own sentences. Or, to say it in German, Versuch es mal!
When we speak about things that scare us, we can use Angst haben to articulate our fear. You can have a look at this lesson in which we discuss the prepositions used along with this verb to talk about being afraid.
When it comes to describing something as scary or frightening, it's important to note that ängstlich is not the correct adjective, as this means "anxious" or "fearful":
Joringel war sehr ängstlich und warnte Jorinde, nicht näher zu gehen.
Joringel was very anxious and warned Jorinde not to go any closer.
Caption 15, Märchen - Sagenhaft: Jorinde und Joringel
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The adjective erschreckend can be applied in many contexts, and can mean both "alarming" and "frightening."
Erschreckend sind die Zahlen bei den Vierzehn- bis Siebzehnjährigen.
The figures for fourteen to seventeen year olds are alarming.
Caption 31, Langsam gesprochene Nachrichten: Die ZDF Sommerinterviews
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For something that is more than merely alarming—perhaps even terrifying—stronger adjectives exist:
Gespensterkrebse mögen furchterregend aussehen, aber auch sie wählen andere Nahrung.
Skeleton shrimp may look terrifying, but they also prefer different sustenance.
Captions 4-5, Abenteuer Nordsee: Unter Riesenhaien und Tintenfischen
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Diese Tiere sind oft sehr angsteinflößend.
These animals are often very fear-inducing.
Caption 13, Ratespiel: Meerestiere
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If you've watched our recent Yabla German videos about Halloween, you might have noticed that Ivana and Paula use the word gruselig quite a lot. This means "spooky" or "creepy."
Halloween wäre nicht Halloween ohne gruselige Kostüme.
Halloween wouldn't be Halloween without spooky costumes.
Captions 24-25, Halloween: Grusel, Spaß und Kürbisse
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The adjective schaurig is even stronger, and can even be translated as "ghastly."
Heute tauchen wir ein in die schaurige Welt von Halloween.
Today, we're going to dive into the eerie world of Halloween.
Captions 3-4, Halloween Grusel, Spaß und Kürbisse
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Further Learning
If you haven't already, check out the Halloween videos that went up last week on Yabla German, and review the verb Angst haben if necessary.
The German adjective gerecht means “fair” or “equitable,” and describes something in accordance with justice or correctness. Related adjectives include ungerecht (“unjust” or “unfair”), its direct opposite, and gerechtfertigt (“justified”), which often applies to actions or decisions.
Jetzt ist Schluss mit lustig! -Aber das ist nicht gerecht!
Now the fun is over! -But that's not fair!
Caption 28, Der kleine Nick: Nachmittag bei Adalbert
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Gerade in Zeiten wie diesen braucht es eine linke Opposition, die sich stark macht für soziale Gerechtigkeit.
Especially in times like these, there is a need for a left-wing opposition that campaigns for social justice.
Captions 25-26, Langsam gesprochene Nachrichten: Die ZDF Sommerinterviews
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In compound adjectives, -gerecht provides the connotation of something being appropriate or fair for a particular group.
Das Stück lebt vom Charme und den komödiantischen Talenten der Darsteller, die es gekonnt schaffen, die Kinder altersgerecht und zeitgemäß zu begeistern.
The play comes to life through the charm and comedic talents of the performers, who skillfully manage to inspire the children in ways [that are] age-appropriate and in tune with the times.
Captions 23-24, Theaterstück über gesunde Ernährung: Henrietta in Fructonia
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Artgerecht ist diese Haltung nicht, aber... Bei ihm war's jetzt halt nicht anders möglich.
This enclosure is not appropriate for this species, but... With him it wasn't possible any other way now.
Captions 78-79, Für Tierfreunde Die Eichhörnchenfee
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One way of stating that something is appropriately or fairly named, or deserves a certain reputation also involves gerecht:
Also, die Sonneninsel wurde ihrem Namen wieder mal gerecht.
Well, Sun Island really lived up to its name once again.
Caption 11, Die Insel Fehmarn: Gästeboom
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Da zeigen sich ganze Kolonien des Alpenmurmeltieres tagsüber ungeniert und werden ihrem Ruf als Faulenzer gerecht.
Entire colonies of alpine marmots appear during the day, free of inhibition, and live up to their reputation as layabouts.
Captions 14-15, Die letzten Paradiese: Die Schönheit der Alpen 2
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Although you won't see it as often, gerecht is also the past participle (Partizip II) of the verb rechen, which means "to rake."
Früher, als das Laub noch mit der Hand gerecht wurde, hat man mehr Laubhaufen stehen lassen - scheint mir.
Formerly, when the leaves were still raked by hand, more piles of leaves were left—it seems to me.
Captions 53-54, Deutsch mit Eylin: Herbst in Hamburg
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Further Learning
You'll find other words, such as fachgerecht, on Yabla German.
The language we use to describe and talk about people is constantly evolving. As in any other language, there is a push in German towards more empowering language for groups that have been marginalized in the past.
When it comes to disability, the general consensus is that it is better to structure sentences in a way that uses the noun die Behinderung rather than the adjective behindert. This allows for person-first language, which you can see in these two examples:
Ja, dass Menschen mit Handicaps oder Behinderung quasi alle Räumlichkeiten erreichen können ohne Probleme.
Yes, that people with handicaps or disabilities can basically reach all spaces without problems.
Captions 12-13, KIT, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie Umfrage: Was bedeutet barrierefrei?
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Für mich bedeutet's einfach, dass jeder einen Zugang haben sollte eben hier auch zu den Lehreinrichtungen, egal, ob man jetzt im Rollstuhl sitzt oder sonst irgendeine Behinderung oder Einschränkung hat.
For me, it simply means that everyone should have access to learning institutions here too, doesn't matter now whether you are in a wheelchair, or, apart from that, have some disability or limitation.
Captions 14-17, KIT, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie Umfrage: Was bedeutet barrierefrei?
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In person-first language, the sentence below would read Ich arbeite in einer Institution für Menschen mit geistiger Behinderung. However, the adjectives taub ("deaf") and blind are actually preferable to their related nouns, which tend to obscure other identities.
Ich arbeite in einer Institution für geistig behinderte Menschen.
I work in an institution for mentally disabled people.
Caption 5, Grete: eine Freiwillige in Israel
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Während der Kongress tanzt, beginnt der fast taube Komponist achtzehnhundertfünfzehn endlich mit der Arbeit an seiner letzten neunten Sinfonie.
While Congress dances, the almost deaf composer begins finally to work on his ninth and final symphony in 1815.
Captions 38-39, Ludwig van Beethoven: Die Geschichte der Europahymne
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The word die Beeinträchtigung ("the impairment") is used commonly as well. With both die Behinderung and die Beeinträchtigung, specification is possible, such as Menschen mit Mobilitätsbeeinträchtigung ("people with reduced mobility") or Menschen mit Sehbeeinträchtigung ("people with visual impairment").
Als Kind ist durch Sauerstoffmangel ihr Sprach- und Lesezentrum im Gehirn beeinträchtigt worden.
As a child, her speech and reading center in her brain was impaired by an oxygen deficit.
Caption 27, Malerei Atelier Goldstein
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We speak about access with the noun der Zugang, as you can see in the example above. The word for wheelchair is der Rollstuhl, but the German adjective for places that are accessible by wheelchair is barrierefrei.
Gesichert sind die Rollstuhlfahrer über zwei separate Seile.
The wheelchair users are secured with two separate ropes.
Caption 15, Tarzan im Rollstuhl: Waldseilpark für Menschen mit Handicap
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Der See ist nämlich fast komplett barrierefrei.
The lake is actually almost completely barrier-free [wheelchair accessible].
Caption 35, Rhein-Main-TV: Badesee Rodgau
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Further Learning
The video KIT, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie: Umfrage - Was bedeutet barrierefrei? on Yabla German has a lot of the vocabulary in this lesson. Additionally, you can refer to this helpful PDF.
In last week's lesson, we looked at compound nouns that employ the noun das Zeug. But it doesn't stop there.
In addition to dozens of nouns with the -zeug ending, there are others that use it as a root. One common noun is das Zeugnis, which can refer to a report, a (school) certificate, or a testament/testimony.
Das ist beim Stand der Dinge heute das älteste authentische Zeugnis für Christentum.
This is, as things stand today, the oldest authentic testimony of Christianity.
Captions 39-40, Archäologie: Der Fund der Frankfurter Silberinschrift
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The word der Zeuge or die Zeugin means "the witness."
Ja, ich habe eine Zeugin mitgebracht, Frau Vorsitzende.
Yes, I brought along a witness, your honor.
Caption 30, Yabla Gerichtshof: Probleme des Zusammenlebens
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Other words include das Erzeugnis ("the product"), der Erzeuger / die Erzeugerin ("the producer," "the creator," "the procreator"), and das Zeughaus ("the armory").
Verbs include zeugen and erzeugen. The verb zeugen is used to describe procreation, and also for testifying or bearing evidence in a formal or abstract sense. When it comes to bearing witness or testifying to something specific, the verb bezeugen may be used. The verb erzeugen, on the other hand, is used for the production, creation, or generation of something other than humans or animals.
Wehranlagen zeugen von der kriegerischen Vergangenheit.
Fortifications testify to its war-torn past.
Caption 13, Die Alpen von oben S1 E1: Von den Karawanken nach Graz
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Ich möchte bezeugen, dass meine Schwester mich und meine kleinen Geschwister schlecht erzogen hat.
I would like to testify that my sister raised me and my little siblings badly.
Captions 7-8, Yabla Gerichtshof: Das verzogene Hündchen
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Das heißt, man erzeugt dabei keinen Ton.
That means when you make them, you don't produce any sort of tone.
Caption 9, Deutsch mit Eylin: Ich- und Ach-Laute
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Finally, let's look at two expressions with das Zeug: was das Zeug hält and ins Zeug legen.
Trotz vollen Terminplänen und Stress strahlt die deutsch-amerikanische Sängerin, was das Zeug hält.
Despite the full agenda and the stress, the German-American singer beams as much as possible.
Captions 4-5, Cassandra Steen Geheimnis für positive Energie
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Das ist Ansporn für den Hahn, sich erst recht ins Zeug zu legen [Redewendung].
This is an incentive for the male grouse to really put in a lot of effort.
Caption 32, Die letzten Paradiese: Die Schönheit der Alpen 1
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Further Learning
Try looking for additional examples of the verbs in use on Yabla German and building your own sentences with these two expressions.
The noun das Zeug is generally used to mean "thing," "stuff," or "tool."
Diese Box wird für Bücher, dieser Karton wird für das Zeug aus der Küche sein.
This box will be for books, this box will be for stuff from the kitchen.
Caption 14, Drei Leute beim Kofferpacken
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Das Zeug ist so was von umweltschädlich.
That stuff is so harmful to the environment.
Caption 35, Nicos Weg: Mensch und Umwelt
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Additionally, it's found in hundreds of compound nouns for objects, tools, and devices, some of which are more specific than others. Let's look at some of the most common examples.
Dann wird das Gerüst mit gehöriger Muskelkraft und mit einem speziellen Werkzeug fest in die Erde verankert.
Then the scaffolding is firmly anchored into the earth, using proper muscle power and a special tool.
Captions 42-43, Die letzten Paradiese: Die Schönheit der Alpen 2
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Auf dem Tisch bei den Zinnsoldaten gab es noch anderes Spielzeug.
On the table by the tin soldiers there were yet other toys.
Caption 11, Märchen - Sagenhaft: Der standhafte Zinnsoldat
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Rund eine Million Euro wurde pro Fahrzeug in Frankfurt investiert.
Around one million euros were invested per vehicle in Frankfurt.
Caption 66, Rund um den Airport Airport auf Rädern: Der Flugzeugschlepper
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Nathalie ist mit dem Flugzeug geflogen.
Nathalie flew by plane.
Caption 11, Deutsch mit Eylin: Das Perfekt
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Hallo, ich bin Simon. Ich spiele Schlagzeug.
Hello, my name is Simon. I play the drums.
Caption 3, Band-Interviews The Dufrenes
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Die Tiere wissen, wo sie inmitten der Schneemassen noch Flecken mit trockenem Grünzeug finden.
The animals know where they can still find patches of dry greens in the midst of the masses of snow.
Caption 23, Die letzten Paradiese Die Schönheit der Alpen 1 - Part 1
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Bettzeug lege ich dir gleich hin und äh ... vielleicht noch 'n T-Shirt.
I'll put some bedding down for you and uh... maybe a T-shirt.
Caption 20, Großstadtrevier: Der Gute Bulle (Teil 2)
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As you've perhaps noticed, all nouns ending with -zeug are neuter and have the article das.
Further Learning
You can find more words on Yabla German. See if you can guess what these mean: das Nähzeug, das Putzzeug, das Sportzeug.
The German word gemäß is a preposition that means "according to," "in accordance with," or "based on" and is typically used to indicate that something is done or interpreted based on a rule, order, or source. It is followed by the dative case and is often found in formal or legal contexts.
Gemäß Artikel dreiundsechzig Absatz zwei des Grundgesetzes für die Bundesrepublik Deutschland ...
According to article sixty-three, paragraph two of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Germany...
Caption 6, Bundesregierung: Vereidigung der Bundeskanzlerin Angela Merkel
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Gemäß ihrer Ernährungsform prägen sich dann auch die Zähne dieser Allesfresser aus.
The teeth of these omnivores then develop according to their feeding habits.
Caption 59, Evolution Die Tiefsee - Part 3
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Er wurde jetzt gemäß unserer Tradition verheiratet.
He has now been married according to our tradition.
Caption 38, Deutsche Welle: Leben zwischen zwei Kulturen in Namibia
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There are many adverbs that consist of a noun combined with -gemäß, and specify what something is in accordance with or based on. Here are a few that are commonly used:
Der Herr Ohrmann, der hat mir dieses Haus ordnungsgemäß überschrieben.
Herr Ohrmann, he has officially given the title for the house to me.
Caption 43, Marga Engel schlägt zurück: Hochmut kommt vor dem Fall
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Ganz hervorragend können das erfahrungsgemäß die Argentinier und die Brasilianer.
As experience has shown, the Argentines and Brazilians can do it very well.
Caption 6, Polosport Poloturnier in Frankfurt
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Das Stück lebt vom Charme und den komödiantischen Talenten der Darsteller, die es gekonnt schaffen, die Kinder altersgerecht und zeitgemäß zu begeistern.
The play comes to life through the charm and comedic talents of the performers, who skillfully manage to inspire the children in ways [that are] age-appropriate and in tune with the times.
Captions 23-24, Theaterstück über gesunde Ernährung: Henrietta in Fructonia
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Further Learning
You can find more examples on Yabla German, peruse this long list, and also look up a few more common adverbs: rechtsgemäß, vorschriftsgemäß, and vertragsgemäß.
The verbs erinnern and sich erinnern both mean "to remember." However, they are not interchangeable and are not the only verbs used to describe the act of remembering.
Generally, the verb erinnern means to remind someone else, while the reflexive verb sich erinnern means to remember or recall something oneself. The preposition for both verbs is an, which is followed by the accusative.
Das Geräusch erinnert an das Summen einer Biene.
The sound is reminiscent of the buzz of a bee.
Caption 26, Deutsch mit Eylin: s, ß und ss
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Er erinnerte sie daran, dass man halten muss, was man verspricht.
He reminded her that you must keep what you have promised.
Caption 66, Märchen - Sagenhaft:Der Froschkönig
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Oh, ja, das stimmt. Ich erinnere mich an die Fotos, die du mir geschickt hast.
Oh yes, that's right. I remember the photos that you sent me.
Caption 21, Die Wohngemeinschaft: Besuch
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Other verbs can imply remembering as well. The phrase an etwas denken literally means "to think of," but can be used when you want to make sure that someone doesn't forget to do something, or be applied to past events:
Denkt an die Tage, die hinter uns liegen.
Think of the days that lie behind us.
Caption 4, Andreas Bourani Auf uns
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The verb merken can be translated as "to notice" but also "to remember."
So merkt man sich vieles noch viel besser.
That way, you'll remember many things much better.
Caption 57, Deutsch mit Eylin: Auf natürliche Weise Sprachen lernen mit Yabla
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An important distinction should be made between the nouns die Erinnerung and das Gedächtnis. While die Erinnerung refers to an individual memory or the act of remembering, das Gedächtnis is our general capacity to store information.
Peter Barsch geht es vor allem um die Erinnerung an eine Zeit, die man heute kaum noch verstehen kann.
What matters for Peter Barsch is, above all, the remembrance of a time that you can barely understand anymore today.
Captions 26-27, 25 Jahre Mauerfall: Radtour durch die Geschichte
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Jede Zeile von mir bleibt in deinem Gedächtnis.
Every line of mine will stay in your memory.
Caption 34, Nina Chuba: Wildberry Lillet Remix feat. Juju
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Further Learning
You'll find these nouns and verbs in many examples on Yabla German.
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