korrekturlesen
To proofread in German is korrekturlesen.
The verb korrekturlesen means to check a text for errors in spelling and grammar. In professional publishing or editorial contexts, you may also see the term Redigieren, which conveys the action of thoroughly reviewing and editing a text.
Meaning: to check for errors in spelling and grammar (verb)
Which one should you use?
While korrekturlesen is the standard term for proofreading, you might use the informal term Durchsehen (to look through) when asking someone casually to check a text. In professional settings, Redigieren is used to describe a deeper editorial review.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle is formed by placing the prefix ge- in the middle of the compound word: korrekturgelesen. You can also turn the verb into a neuter noun by capitalizing it and adding the article das, resulting in das Korrekturlesen (the proofreading).
Did you know?
- The term Redigieren is a cognate of 'redact', but in German it describes the creative polishing of a text rather than the removal of secret information.
- In traditional German printing, a 'proof' was called a Korrekturabzug. This word literally describes a 'correction pull', referring to the physical act of pulling a sheet of paper off a printing press for review.
- Professional German editors may use the term Lektorat for a comprehensive review. While korrekturlesen is a mechanical check, a Lektorat is a holistic evaluation of the text's logic and consistency.
Examples in context
- Können Sie bitte meinen Text korrekturlesen?Can you please proofread my text?
- Kannst du bitte meinen Artikel redigieren?Can you please proofread my article?
- Ich muss den Text noch einmal korrekturlesen.I still have to proofread the text once more.
- Kannst du bitte meine Hausarbeit korrekturlesen?Can you please proofread my term paper?
Example conversation
Lukas and Hannah are studying together in a library.
- LukasHannah, könntest du meine Arbeit korrekturlesen?Hannah, could you proofread my work?
- HannahJa, Lukas, ich helfe dir gerne dabei.Yes, Lukas, I am happy to help you with that.
- LukasDas ist sehr lieb von dir.That is very kind of you.
- HannahKein Problem, wir schauen es uns gemeinsam an.No problem, we will look at it together.
