attestieren
certify
To officially certify or confirm something, usually in written form. Often used in medical or official contexts.
EXAMPLE
Der Arzt attestierte ihm die volle Arbeitsfähigkeit.
The doctor certified that he was fully fit for work.
attestieren
to certify / attest
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Meanings
attestieren
attest
To attribute a certain quality or ability to someone or something.
EXAMPLE
Ich kann ihr nur attestieren, dass sie über ein außergewöhnliches Verhandlungsgeschick verfügt.
I can only attest that she has exceptional negotiating skills.
Usage tips
Sentence structure with dative
'Attestieren' (to certify / attest) is almost always used with a dative object (the person or thing) and an accusative object (the quality or condition). The fixed structure is: jemandem etwas attestieren (to certify/attest something to someone).
EXAMPLE
Die Kritiker attestierten dem Film eine herausragende künstlerische Qualität.
The critics attested outstanding artistic quality to the film.
Word family
The verb 'attestieren' (to certify / attest) is closely related to the noun 'das Attest' (certificate), which refers to a written certificate, usually from a doctor. This connection helps you remember the meaning of official confirmation.
EXAMPLE
Für die Prüfung benötigte er ein Attest vom Arzt.
He needed a doctor's note for the exam.
Formal usage
'Attestieren' (to certify / attest) is a formal word that appears mainly in written language, in official documents, or in elevated speech. It is rarely used in normal everyday life.
EXAMPLE
Dem Unternehmen wurde in einem offiziellen Schreiben eine hohe Innovationskraft attestiert.
In an official letter, the company was certified as having a high level of innovative strength.
Context clue
If the object being attested is an official status, e.g. 'Arbeitsunfähigkeit' (incapacity for work), the official meaning is intended. If it is an abstract quality, e.g. 'Mut' (courage) or 'Talent' (talent), it means to attribute that quality to someone.
EXAMPLE
Ich kann ihm nur attestieren, dass er ein großes Talent für Musik hat.
I can only attest that he has a great talent for music.
Compare with
attestieren vs bestätigen
to confirm
Bestätigen generally establishes that information is correct. Attestieren more often refers to a formal, usually written statement by a professionally or officially authorized person. Use bestätigen for a simple piece of information, and attestieren for a professional certificate.
attestieren
Die Ärztin attestierte dem Patienten schriftlich seine Arbeitsunfähigkeit.
The doctor certified in writing that the patient was unable to work.
bestätigen
Die Ärztin bestätigte im Gespräch, dass der Patient arbeitsunfähig ist.
The doctor confirmed during the conversation that the patient was unable to work.
In real life
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