01
bestimmen
to decide
To make a decision, set something, or order something. Often the person who determines something is in a position of authority.
example
Der Kapitän bestimmt den Kurs des Schiffes.
The captain decides the ship's course.
bestimmen
to determine
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 04
Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Bestimmen' (to determine) is an inseparable verb because it has the prefix 'be-'. The prefix remains firmly attached to the verb stem in all tenses and sentence types.
EXAMPLE
Er hat bestimmt, dass die Besprechung morgen stattfindet.
He decided that the meeting will take place tomorrow.
Who or what determines?
To distinguish the meanings, pay attention to the subject. If a person or institution 'bestimmt' (determines/decides) something, they make a decision (meaning 1). If an abstract concept like 'Nachfrage' (demand) 'bestimmt' (determines) something, it influences it (meaning 3).
EXAMPLE
Der Trainer bestimmt die Aufstellung der Mannschaft.
The coach decides the team's lineup.
Context: analysis
In a scientific or technical context, 'bestimmen' (to identify/determine) often means to identify something precisely through an examination. Typical objects are 'die Art' (the species), 'die Blutgruppe' (the blood type), 'das Alter' (the age), or 'die Position' (the position).
EXAMPLE
Mit dem Teleskop konnte er die Position des Sterns exakt bestimmen.
With the telescope, he was able to determine the star's position exactly.
Sentence structure with 'für'
The construction 'für jemanden/etwas bestimmt sein' (to be intended for someone/something) expresses a purpose or designation. The preposition 'für' always takes the accusative here.
EXAMPLE
Das Paket ist für meine Nachbarin bestimmt.
The package is intended for my neighbor.
Compare with
bestimmen vs setzen
to set / put
'setzen' and 'bestimmen' can both mean that something is established or decided. 'setzen' is often used for concrete values or rules, for example a price, a deadline, or a goal. 'bestimmen' sounds more strongly like a decision or order, often made by a person with responsibility or authority. In many situations, 'bestimmen' is more general for the decision itself, while 'setzen' is more natural when a specific value or date is mentioned.
bestimmen
Mein Kollege bestimmt heute, wer die Präsentation vorbereitet.
My colleague is deciding today who will prepare the presentation.
setzen
Die Lehrerin setzt die Frist für die Hausaufgabe auf Freitag.
The teacher sets the deadline for the homework for Friday.
In real life
Loading video examples...