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
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Meanings
bestimmen
to identify
To determine or identify something precisely through examination or measurement.
EXAMPLE
Der Biologe konnte die seltene Pflanzenart genau bestimmen.
The biologist was able to identify the rare plant species precisely.
bestimmen
to determine
To shape or influence the character or development of something.
EXAMPLE
Die Nachfrage bestimmt den Preis auf dem Markt.
Demand determines the price on the market.
bestimmt sein für
to be intended for
To be intended or designated for a particular purpose, person, or goal.
EXAMPLE
Dieses Buch ist für fortgeschrittene Lerner bestimmt.
This book is intended for advanced learners.
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
setzenentscheidenfeststellenverfügenermittelnprägenvorsehendefinierenbeeinflussenfestlegenfestsetzen
bestimmen vs setzen
to set / put
Setzen and bestimmen can both be used when specifying a price. Setzen presents the price as the applicable requirement. Bestimmen places more emphasis on deciding what specific value the price should have.
bestimmen
Nach der Beratung bestimmt die Leitung den genauen Preis für das neue Angebot.
After the consultation, management determined the exact price for the new offer.
setzen
Die Leitung setzt den Preis für das neue Angebot auf 30 Euro.
Management set the price for the new offer at 30 euros.
In real life
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