to report
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to report
To tell someone orally or in writing about an event, an experience, or a situation, or to communicate information about it.
Können Sie uns bitte berichten, was genau passiert ist?
Could you please report to us what exactly happened?
to report
As a journalist or correspondent, to provide professional information about news and events for media such as newspapers, television, or radio.
Die Zeitung berichtet ausführlich über die bevorstehenden Wahlen.
The newspaper reports in detail on the upcoming elections.
The verb 'berichten' (to report) belongs to the noun 'der Bericht' (report). When you report on something, you give a report.
Der Zeuge musste der Polizei einen genauen Bericht geben.
The witness had to give the police a precise report.
'Berichten' (to report) can be used with two prepositions: 'über' (+ accusative) for a topic or situation, and 'von' (+ dative) for an event or personal experience.
Er berichtete über die Ergebnisse der Studie.
He reported on the results of the study.
After 'berichten' (to report), there is often a subordinate clause introduced by 'dass' (that) or an indirect question, e.g. with 'wie' (how), 'was' (what), or 'wo' (where).
Der Sprecher berichtete, dass die Verhandlungen erfolgreich waren.
The spokesperson reported that the negotiations had been successful.
In the meaning 'to provide professional information', the context is usually the media world. Typical subjects are then journalists, correspondents, or media such as 'die Zeitung' (the newspaper) or 'das Fernsehen' (television).
Ein Korrespondent berichtet live aus dem Krisengebiet.
A correspondent is reporting live from the crisis area.
to tell
Both erzählen and berichten can be used to pass on an event or information. Erzählen usually sounds more personal and narrative, while berichten sounds more factual and often more structured. Use erzählen in a personal conversation and berichten when a matter-of-fact account is the focus.
Er berichtete der Polizei sachlich von dem Unfall auf der Reise.
He gave the police a factual account of the accident during the trip.
Er erzählte seinen Freunden lebhaft von dem Unfall auf der Reise.
He animatedly told his friends about the accident during the trip.
