to appoint / invoke
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to appoint
To officially place someone in a high office or important position, especially a scholar in a professorship.
Die Physikerin wurde an die Universität Berlin berufen.
The physicist was appointed to the University of Berlin.
'Berufen' (to appoint / invoke) is an inseparable verb consisting of the prefix 'be-' and the verb 'rufen' (to call). The prefix remains firmly attached to the verb in all conjugated forms.
Man hat ihn in den Aufsichtsrat berufen.
He was appointed to the supervisory board.
This meaning is very often used in the passive to emphasize who receives the position. The position is often indicated with 'auf' (+ accusative) or 'an' (+ accusative), especially in academic contexts.
Sie wurde auf eine Professur für Geschichte berufen.
She was appointed to a professorship in history.
This meaning exists only as a reflexive construction with a fixed preposition: 'sich auf etwas berufen' (to invoke/rely on something). The 'etwas' is always in the accusative and is the reason or justification.
Sie berief sich auf ihr Recht zu schweigen.
She invoked her right to remain silent.
In the meaning of 'einberufen' (to convene), the verb is combined with committees or assemblies. Typical objects are: eine Sitzung (a meeting), eine Konferenz (a conference), einen Ausschuss (a committee), or einen Krisenstab berufen (to convene a crisis team).
Der Präsident berief eine Sondersitzung des Parlaments.
The president convened a special session of parliament.
born
'geboren' and 'berufen' can both have to do with a special role in life, but they mean very different things. In 'ein geborener Lehrer' (a born teacher), 'geboren' describes that someone is naturally very well suited to this role. 'berufen', on the other hand, means that someone is officially appointed to an important office or position, for example at a university. Learners may confuse the words because both can appear in sentences about professions or roles. Remember: 'geboren' describes a natural talent; 'berufen' describes an official decision.
Die Universität hat den Forscher auf eine Professur berufen.
The university appointed the researcher to a professorship.
Frau Becker ist eine geborene Lehrerin, weil sie alles ruhig und klar erklärt.
Ms. Becker is a born teacher because she explains everything calmly and clearly.