Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| verknüpfen | /fɛɐ̯ˈknʏpfn̩/ |
| vereinigen | /fɛɐ̯ˈʔaɪ̯nɪɡn̩/ |
| anschließen | /ˈʔanʃliːsn̩/ /ˈʔanʃliːsən/ |
| verbinden | [fɛɐ̯ˈbɪndn̩] (narrow) [fɛɐ̯ˈbɪndən] (narrow) |
The English verb 'join' translates to several German words depending on whether you are physically connecting objects, merging groups or participating in an activity.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the nuance of the connection. Use verknüpfen when the sense of joining implies a tight link, such as tying knots or linking data/information. Use verbinden for technical or abstract contexts, such as connecting two physical objects like wires or linking abstract concepts. Use vereinigen when joining implies a formal unification or the merging of entities, such as companies or political factions. Use anschließen when physically connecting or plugging in a device or joining a person/group.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using anschließen to mean 'to join someone', it must be used as a reflexive verb: sich jemandem anschließen. However, when anschließen is used to mean 'to connect/plug in' a device, it is a transitive verb and does not use the reflexive sich.
How do you pronounce it?
/fɛɐ̯ˈknʏpfn̩/
Did you know?
- The verb anschließen is built from schließen, which means 'to close' or 'to lock'. This suggests that joining a group or plugging in a device is conceptually like 'closing a gap' or 'locking into place'.
- While verbinden means 'to join', the noun Verbindung is used for everything from a train connection to a romantic relationship and a chemical bond.
- The verb verbinden shares a common ancestor with the English word 'bind', stemming from the Proto-West Germanic *frabindan.
Examples in context
- Wirst du dich mir anschließen?Are you going to join me?This sentence is useful for asking if someone will join you using anschließen.Tatoeba #7329655 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6842719 by CK
- Tom wird sich uns anschließen.Tom is going to join us.This sentence is useful for stating that someone will join a group using anschließen.Tatoeba #8726805 by Melang, translation #7733334 by CK
- Darf ich mich Ihnen anschließen?May I join you?This sentence is useful for asking permission to join someone using anschließen.Tatoeba #1229423 by Esperantostern, translation #321988 by CK
- Ich möchte Ihrer Organisation beitreten.I would like to join your organization.
- Wie kann ich diesem Club beitreten?How can I join this club?
- Ich möchte an der Diskussion mitmachen.I want to join in the discussion.
- Kann ich an dem Treffen mitmachen?Can I join the meeting?
- Ich werde an der Konferenz teilnehmen.I will join the conference.
- Kann ich eurem geheimen Club beitreten?Can I join your secret club?
- Sie möchten unserer Gruppe beitreten.They want to join our group.
- 45 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Laura are working on a digital document together.
- MaximilianKannst du die beiden Dateien verknüpfen?Can you link the two files?
- LauraJa, ich werde sie sofort verknüpfen.Yes, I will link them immediately.
- MaximilianDas ist sehr hilfreich für mich.That is very helpful for me.
- LauraGerne, Maximilian.You're welcome, Maximilian.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “join” translations and entries verknüpfen, vereinigen, anschließen, verbinden, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries anschließen, verbinden, vereinigen, verknüpfen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
