Bestimmen: How to quickly learn how to use this verb in German

Learning new words is an important part of learning a language. One such word that is often found in German texts and conversations is the verb “bestimmen” . In this article from IZ, we will look at its meaning, different ways of using it, and examples to help you better understand how to use this word correctly.

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• What does the word “determine” mean?
• How to use “bestimmen” correctly?
  • • 1. Determining time or place
    • 2. Appointment or selection
    • 3. Evaluation or measurement
    • 4. Determining the value or result
• Important constructions with “bestimmen”
• Practice using “bestimmen”

What does the word “determine” mean?

The word “bestimmen” is a verb that basically means “to determine”, “to establish” or “to appoint” . This word is widely used in various contexts, ranging from scientific, legal to everyday situations. In translation into Ukrainian, “bestimmen” can often be translated as “to determine”, “to declare” or “to decide”.

Verb with different personal pronouns:

Ich bestimme – I determine.
Du bestimmst – You determine.
Er / Sie / Es bestimmt – He / She / It determines.
We determine – We determine.
Ihr bestimmt – You determine (plural, informal).
They determine – They determine.
Sie bestimmen (formal) – You determine (formal address to one or more people).

These verb forms will help you use it correctly depending on who you are referring to.

How to use “bestimmen” correctly?

1. Determining time or place

One of the main meanings of this verb is to specify a specific time or place. For example:

• Wir müssen den Zeitung für das Treffen bestimmen.
  (We need to set a time for the meeting.)
• Der Lehrer bestimt den Prüfungszeitpunkt.
  (The teacher determines the time of the exam.)

2. Appointment or selection

Another important meaning of the verb “bestimmen” is to appoint or choose someone or something for a specific role or task.

• Die Eltern bestimnen die Regeln für ihre Kinder.
  (Parents set the rules for their children.)
• Der Chef bestimmt, wer das Projekt leitet.
  (The manager determines who will lead the project.)

3. Evaluation or measurement

“Bestimmen” can also be used in the context of evaluation or measurement, when certain characteristics need to be known.

• Die Wissenschaftler bestimmen das Age des Fossils.
  (Scientists determine the age of a fossil.)
• Kannst du den Preis des Produkts bestimmen?
  (Can you determine the price of this product?)

4. Determining the value or result

In the context of determining a meaning or result, the verb “bestimmen” is often used to indicate that something influences the final result.

• The weather determines the quality of the harvest.
  (Weather determines the quality of the harvest.)
• Die Umfrage wird bestimmen, wie viele Personen teileinen.
  (A survey will determine how many people will participate.)

Important constructions with “bestimmen”

The word “bestimmen” is often used with various auxiliary words or nouns that help clarify the meaning.

• Determine + Accusative (object) :
  If a direct object follows the verb, it is used in the accusative case. For example:
  He determines the price. (He determines the price.)
• Determine + as + nominative :
  This word is often used with “als” when referring to appointing someone to a specific role. For example:
  She was appointed as chairwoman. (She was appointed as chairwoman.)

Practice using “bestimmen”

Now that you have familiarized yourself with the basic meanings and examples of the verb “bestimmen” , let's try to put this knowledge into practice.

1. Translate into German:
   • We need to set a time to meet.
   • They define the rules of the game.
   • The teacher determines the topic for homework.
2. Make your own sentences using “bestimmen”:
   • You can use any of the following contexts: from determining time to evaluating results.
3. Identify the correct option in the context:
   • Der Arzt hat den Grund für das Problem ______. (bestimmen / festlegen)
   • Die Regierung hat beschlossen, den neuen Kurs ______. (to be determined / set)

The verb “bestimmen” is very useful and important for anyone who wants to improve their German. It has a wide range of meanings and can be used in many contexts. By practicing this word, you can easily expand your vocabulary and improve your understanding of the German language.

Practice more examples, and soon this word will become an integral part of your active lexicon.

Also find out what “immer wieder” means – translation from German, explanation and examples of usage in Ukrainian.

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