01
benennen
to name
To give someone or something a name.
example
Die Straße wurde nach einer berühmten Wissenschaftlerin benannt.
The street was named after a famous scientist.
benennen
to name / specify
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Benennen' (to name/specify/appoint) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'be-' remains firmly attached to the stem 'nennen' (to call/name) in all tenses and sentence constructions.
EXAMPLE
Er benannte die Datei falsch.
He named the file incorrectly.
Context clues
You can recognize the meaning from context: the preposition 'nach' (after) points to giving a name. Abstract nouns like 'Gründe' (reasons) or 'Probleme' (problems) point to specifying. An office or position as the object points to appointing a person.
EXAMPLE
Das Institut wurde nach Marie Curie benannt.
The institute was named after Marie Curie.
Fixed preposition
When you give someone or something a name based on another person or thing, use the structure 'etwas nach jemandem/etwas benennen' (to name something after someone/something). The person or thing serving as the model is in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Sie haben ihr Kind nach dem Großvater benannt.
They named their child after the grandfather.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'spezifizieren' (to specify), 'benennen' (to specify/name) is often used with abstract nouns. Typical combinations are 'die Gründe benennen' (to name the reasons), 'die Ziele benennen' (to state the goals), 'die Ursachen benennen' (to identify the causes), or 'die Unterschiede benennen' (to name the differences).
EXAMPLE
Im Meeting müssen wir die nächsten Schritte klar benennen.
In the meeting, we need to clearly specify the next steps.
Sentence structure with offices
When someone is appointed to an office, the structure 'jemanden als [Position] benennen' (to name someone as [position]) or 'jemanden zum/zur [Position] benennen' (to appoint someone to the position of [position]) is often used.
EXAMPLE
Die Partei benannte sie als Kandidatin für die Wahl.
The party nominated her as a candidate for the election.
Compare with
benennen vs nennen
to call / name
'nennen' and 'benennen' overlap when it comes to names or precise terms. 'nennen' is the more general word: you can name a name, a reason, or an example. 'benennen' sounds more targeted and precise. It fits when you officially give something a name or clearly identify something and call it by name. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with names. In everyday language, 'nennen' is usually simpler and more natural; 'benennen' fits better when it is about a precise or official designation.
benennen
Im Biologieunterricht benennen die Schüler die Teile der Pflanze.
In biology class, the students name the parts of the plant.
nennen
Wegen der vielen Fragen hat der Kursleiter noch einmal die wichtigsten Regeln genannt.
Because of the many questions, the course instructor stated the most important rules once again.
In real life
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