01
abstimmen
to vote
To make a decision or express one's opinion through an election or by casting a vote.
example
Das Parlament wird morgen über das neue Gesetz abstimmen.
Parliament will vote on the new law tomorrow.
abstimmen
to vote / coordinate / tune
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Abstimmen' is a separable verb with the prefix 'ab-'. In a main clause, 'ab' goes at the end; in a subordinate clause, it remains attached to the verb. The infinitive with 'zu' is 'abzustimmen'.
EXAMPLE
Die Mitglieder stimmen heute über den Vorschlag ab.
The members are voting on the proposal today.
Context clues
The prepositions and the grammar help distinguish the meanings. 'Über' (+ accusative) signals a vote, 'auf' (+ accusative) means to adapt or coordinate something with something, and 'sich mit' (+ dative) means to coordinate with someone.
EXAMPLE
Wir stimmen über den neuen Plan ab.
We are voting on the new plan.
Correct preposition
When it is about an election or a vote, the preposition 'über' is always used with the accusative. You vote 'über' a topic or a proposal.
EXAMPLE
Die Bürger konnten über den Bau des neuen Bahnhofs abstimmen.
The citizens were able to vote on the construction of the new train station.
Sentence structure and usage
To express that you adapt or coordinate something with something else, use the structure: 'etwas (Akkusativ) auf etwas (Akkusativ) abstimmen' (to coordinate something with something).
EXAMPLE
Der Koch stimmt die Gewürze genau auf die Hauptzutat ab.
The chef coordinates the spices precisely with the main ingredient.
Reflexive with dative
When people coordinate with one another, the verb becomes reflexive and is used with the preposition 'mit' and the dative: 'sich mit jemandem abstimmen' (to coordinate with someone).
EXAMPLE
Bitte stimmen Sie sich mit Ihren Kollegen über den Termin ab.
Please coordinate with your colleagues about the appointment.
Compare with
abstimmen vs stimmen
to be right / to vote / to tune
'stimmen' and 'abstimmen' overlap in two areas. For decisions, 'stimmen' means that a person casts their vote for or against something. 'abstimmen' more often describes the whole process in which a group decides by voting. With musical instruments, both can also mean adjusting them to the correct notes; in everyday language, 'stimmen' is especially common for this. The words are easy to confuse because they sound similar and both have to do with votes or voices. For an individual vote, people usually say 'für etwas stimmen' (to vote for something); for the shared decision-making process, 'über etwas abstimmen' (to vote on something).
abstimmen
Nach der Diskussion stimmt die Klasse über das Ziel der Reise ab.
After the discussion, the class votes on the destination for the trip.
stimmen
Ich stimme für den Vorschlag, weil er fair ist.
I am voting for the proposal because it is fair.
In real life
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