übersetzen
/ˌyːbərˈzɛtsən/
The English phrase 'translate' means übersetzen in German. Wiktionary also lists übertragen and verdolmetschen.
Meaning: to change spoken words or written text from one language to another (verb)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| übersetzen | /ˌyːbərˈzɛtsən/ /ˌyːbɐˈsɛt͡sn̩/ (Austria) |
| übertragen | /ˌyːbərˈtraːɡən/ |
| verdolmetschen | |
| dolmetschen | /ˈdɔlmɛtʃən/ |
In German, several words describe the act of changing text or speech from one language to another. übersetzen is the most general term used for translating both written and spoken content.
Which one should you use?
While übersetzen covers the general act of translation, other forms are more specific. Use dolmetschen specifically when you are interpreting spoken language. Use übertragen when the focus is on adapting a concept, a style or a meaning from one medium or language to another rather than performing a literal word-for-word translation. Note that verdolmetschen is also an available form.
How does it change in a sentence?
For the verb übersetzen, the third-person singular present form is übersetzt.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌyːbərˈzɛtsən/
Did you know?
- If you use übersetzen in a different context, it can also mean 'to ferry' or 'to transport' someone across a body of water, such as in a boat.
- The word dolmetschen for interpreting spoken language is a back-formation. It was created from the noun Dolmetscher rather than the other way around.
Examples in context
- Tom wird es übersetzen.Tom will translate it.This sentence shows how to use übersetzen to describe a future action.Tatoeba #11948464 by Naina, translation #11188724 by Ergulis
- Was soll ich übersetzen?What should I translate?This sentence shows how to use übersetzen when asking for a task.Tatoeba #8064717 by manese, translation #13640401 by araneo
- Kannst du das übersetzen?Can you translate this?This sentence shows how to use übersetzen to ask about someone's ability to translate something.Tatoeba #1356156 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10555522 by sundown
- Kannst du diesen Brief bitte übersetzen?Can you please translate this letter?
- Wir müssen eine genaue Übersetzung vornehmenWe need to make an accurate translation
- Dieser Film wurde ins Deutsche übertragenThis movie was translated into German
- Kannst du bitte diesen Text übersetzen?Can you please translate this text?
- 337 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Sarah are at a library looking at an old book.
- LukasKannst du dieses alte Manuskript übersetzen?Can you translate this old manuscript?
- SarahIch muss es erst einmal genau studieren.I have to study it closely first.
- LukasEs ist ein sehr schwieriger Text.It is a very difficult text.
- SarahDas weiß ich, Lukas.I know that, Lukas.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “translate” translations and entries übersetzen, übertragen, dolmetschen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dolmetschen, übersetzen, übertragen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
