bestimmen
Meaning and Usage
"Bestimmen" in German means "to determine" or "to decide". It is used to express the action of making a decision or setting something. It can also be used in the sense of dictating or specifying something.
Linguistic Analysis
The word "bestimmen" is a verb. It is derived from the prefix "be-" and the root "stimmen". The prefix "be-" often indicates a sense of completion or thoroughness, and the root "stimmen" can be associated with the idea of setting or arranging. Therefore, "bestimmen" carries the meaning of "determining" or "setting" something.
Comparisons between German and English
The word "bestimmen" in German is similar in meaning to the English word "to determine" or "to decide". It can also be used to express the idea of dictating or specifying something, similar to the English word "to specify".
Cultural Context
In German culture, the word "bestimmen" is often used in various contexts, such as making decisions, setting rules, or defining specific aspects of a situation. Understanding its usage is essential in effectively communicating and understanding German communication and instructions.
Example Sentences
- Sie muss das Datum und die Uhrzeit für das Treffen bestimmen. (She has to determine the date and time for the meeting.)
- Die Regierung hat entschieden, strengere Maßnahmen zu bestimmen. (The government has decided to impose stricter measures.)
Memory Tips
To remember the meaning of "bestimmen", think of it as "be-stimmen", where "be-" implies completing or thoroughly performing an action, and "stimmen" can be associated with the idea of setting or arranging something.
Additional Vocabulary
- die Entscheidung (decision)
- festlegen (to set/fix)
- die Bestimmung (determination)
- entscheiden (to decide)
Gender and Plural (for nouns)
N/A
Conjugation (for verbs)
- ich bestimme (I determine)
- du bestimmst (you determine)
- er/sie/es bestimmt (he/she/it determines)
- wir bestimmen (we determine)
- ihr bestimmt (you [plural] determine)
- sie bestimmen (they determine)