gelten

Meaning and Usage

"Gelten" in German means "to be valid" or "to apply." It is commonly used to express the idea of something being valid, accepted, or in force. It can also mean "to be worth" in the sense of having value or significance.

Linguistic Analysis

The word "gelten" does not contain any prefixes or suffixes. It is a verb that comes from the Middle High German "gelten," which means "to count" or "to be worth."

Comparisons between German and English

The word "gelten" is similar to the English verb "to gilt," which means to cover with a thin layer of gold. However, in German, "gelten" has a broader usage, encompassing the meaning of being valid or worth something.

Cultural Context

In German culture, the concept of something "geltend" or "gültig" (valid) is important in various aspects of life, such as laws, regulations, and social norms.

Example Sentences

  1. Sein Wort gilt viel in dieser Gemeinschaft. (His word carries a lot of weight in this community.)
  2. Die Regelungen gelten für alle Mitarbeiter. (The regulations apply to all employees.)

Memory Tips

To remember the meaning of "gelten," think of it as something that "gilt" or is "valid" and worth something.

Additional Vocabulary

  • gültig (valid)
  • Geltung (validity, effect)
  • ungültig (invalid)

Gender and Plural (for nouns)

N/A

Conjugation (for verbs)

  • ich gelte (I am valid)
  • du geltst (you are valid)
  • er/sie/es gilt (he/she/it is valid)
  • wir gelten (we are valid)
  • ihr geltet (you are valid, plural)
  • sie gelten (they are valid)