definieren
to define
To determine and explain the exact meaning of a word, concept, or matter.
EXAMPLE
Können Sie den Begriff „Nachhaltigkeit“ bitte genauer definieren?
Could you please define the term “sustainability” more precisely?
definieren
to define
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Meanings
definieren
to define
To clearly establish, determine, or delimit something.
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen die Ziele und den Zeitrahmen für das Projekt klar definieren.
We need to clearly define the goals and timeframe for the project.
sich definieren über
to define oneself by
To derive one's own identity or sense of worth mainly from a particular thing, such as work, success, or appearance.
EXAMPLE
Er definiert sich fast ausschließlich über seine beruflichen Erfolge.
He defines himself almost exclusively by his professional achievements.
Usage tips
Word family
The related noun is 'die Definition' (the definition). When you 'definieren' (define) something, you create a definition.
EXAMPLE
Die Definition dieses Begriffs ist sehr komplex.
The definition of this term is very complex.
Use with “als”
To explain what something is, 'definieren' (to define) is often used with the preposition 'als' (as). The structure is: etwas (accusative) als etwas definieren (to define something as something).
EXAMPLE
Man kann Intelligenz als die Fähigkeit zum logischen Denken definieren.
One can define intelligence as the ability to think logically.
Typical collocations
When it is about establishing things, 'definieren' (to define) is often combined with abstract nouns such as 'Ziele' (goals), 'Grenzen' (boundaries), 'Regeln' (rules), or 'Anforderungen' (requirements).
EXAMPLE
Vor Projektbeginn müssen wir die genauen Anforderungen definieren.
Before the project begins, we need to define the exact requirements.
Reflexive with “über”
In the meaning 'seine Identität ableiten' (to derive one's identity), the verb is reflexive and is always used with the preposition 'über' and the accusative: sich über etwas definieren (to define oneself by something).
EXAMPLE
Viele junge Menschen definieren sich stark über ihre Freunde und ihre Musik.
Many young people define themselves strongly by their friends and their music.
Compare with
definieren vs bestimmen
to determine
Bestimmen and definieren can both mean clearly establishing something. Bestimmen is generally used for making a decision or giving an order. Definieren, on the other hand, emphasizes precisely explaining and establishing the meaning or boundaries of a concept.
definieren
Die Schulleitung definiert genau, was mit respektvollem Verhalten gemeint ist.
The school administration precisely defines what is meant by respectful behavior.
bestimmen
Die Schulleitung bestimmt, welche Regeln ab Montag gelten.
The school administration decides which rules will apply starting Monday.
In real life
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