01
bescheinigen
to certify
To confirm or attest something to someone in writing, often officially.
example
Der Arzt bescheinigte ihm eine einwöchige Arbeitsunfähigkeit.
The doctor certified that he was unable to work for one week.
bescheinigen
to certify / attest
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Bescheinigen' (to certify/attest) is an inseparable verb because it begins with the prefix 'be-'. The prefix remains firmly attached to the verb stem in all sentence forms and tenses.
EXAMPLE
Ich lasse mir die Teilnahme am Kurs bescheinigen.
I am having my participation in the course certified.
Sentence structure with dative
This verb requires a fixed sentence structure: the person receiving the confirmation is in the dative, and the thing being confirmed is in the accusative. The pattern is: jemandem (dative) etwas (accusative) bescheinigen.
EXAMPLE
Der Professor bescheinigte der Studentin (Dativ) gute Leistungen (Akkusativ).
The professor attested good performance (accusative) to the student (dative).
Context clue
If the object is an official fact, e.g. 'Teilnahme' (participation) or 'Arbeitsunfähigkeit' (incapacity for work), the verb means 'to confirm in writing'. If the object is an abstract quality, e.g. 'Talent' (talent) or 'Faulheit' (laziness), it means 'to attribute'.
EXAMPLE
Der Trainer bescheinigte ihm großes Talent.
The coach attested great talent to him.
Official context
In the meaning 'bestätigen' (to confirm), 'bescheinigen' (to certify) is almost always used in a formal or official context. It is about providing proof.
EXAMPLE
Bitte lassen Sie sich den Erhalt des Pakets schriftlich bescheinigen.
Please have receipt of the package certified in writing.
Compare with
bescheinigen vs bestätigen
to confirm
'bestätigen' and 'bescheinigen' can both mean that something is declared to be correct or present. 'bestätigen' is more general and can be spoken, written, official, or informal. 'bescheinigen' is narrower: it is often written and official, for example through a document, a doctor, or an authority. You can also 'jemandem eine Eigenschaft bescheinigen' (attribute a quality to someone), meaning to ascribe that quality to them. Learners may confuse the words because both occur in official situations. If a document or medical certificate is important, 'bescheinigen' is usually the right choice.
bescheinigen
Die Ärztin bescheinigte dem Patienten, dass er eine Woche nicht arbeiten kann.
The doctor certified that the patient cannot work for one week.
bestätigen
Nach dem Unterricht bestätigen wir die Reservierung im Restaurant.
After class, we confirm the reservation at the restaurant.
In real life
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