to notify
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to notify
To provide someone with official or important information, often in writing or by phone. It is a more formal way of expressing 'Bescheid sagen' (to let someone know).
Bitte benachrichtigen Sie uns umgehend, wenn sich Ihre Adresse ändert.
Please notify us immediately if your address changes.
The verb is derived from the noun 'die Nachricht' (message/news). The prefix 'be-' makes it an inseparable verb that always requires an object. It literally means to give someone a message.
Sie hat ihn sofort über den Vorfall benachrichtigt.
She notified him immediately about the incident.
The person or institution that receives the information is always in the accusative. You 'benachrichtigt jemanden' (notify someone).
Die Fluggesellschaft benachrichtigte alle Passagiere über die Verspätung.
The airline notified all passengers about the delay.
The content or topic of the message is introduced with the preposition 'über' and the accusative. You 'benachrichtigt jemanden über etwas' (notify someone about something).
Der Arzt benachrichtigte mich über die Ergebnisse der Untersuchung.
The doctor notified me about the results of the examination.
This verb is mainly used in formal, official, or business contexts. It is typical of written communications from authorities, companies, or institutions.
Kunden werden schriftlich über die neuen Geschäftsbedingungen benachrichtigt.
Customers are notified in writing about the new terms and conditions.
to report / get in touch
'melden' and 'benachrichtigen' both have to do with passing on information. 'melden' is often used when you pass on information to the responsible office or person, for example damage, an accident, or a problem. 'benachrichtigen' means that you inform a person about something important. It sounds somewhat more formal than 'Bescheid sagen' (to let someone know). Learners may confuse the words because in both cases someone receives information. The difference is: you are more likely to 'melden' an incident or a fact; you are more likely to 'benachrichtigen' a person.
Nach dem Unfall benachrichtigt die Polizei die Familie.
After the accident, the police notify the family.
Frau Neumann meldet den Wasserschaden sofort der Hausverwaltung.
Ms. Neumann reports the water damage to the property management immediately.