01
diktieren
to dictate
To pronounce words or a text slowly and clearly so that another person can write them down.
example
Die Lehrerin diktierte der Klasse einen Übungssatz.
The teacher dictated a practice sentence to the class.
diktieren
to dictate
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 03
Usage tips
Word family
'Diktieren' (to dictate) is the basis for the nouns 'das Diktat' (a dictation; a text that is dictated) and 'der Diktator' (dictator; a person who dictates orders). All these words share the idea of saying or commanding.
EXAMPLE
In der Schule mussten wir oft ein Diktat schreiben.
At school, we often had to write a dictation.
Sentence structure with dative and accusative
The verb 'diktieren' (to dictate) is very often used with two objects: the person to whom something is dictated is in the dative, and the thing that is dictated is in the accusative. The pattern is: Jemand diktiert [jemandem] [etwas]. (Someone dictates [something] to [someone].)
EXAMPLE
Der Chef diktierte seiner Sekretärin einen Brief.
The boss dictated a letter to his secretary.
Typical collocations
In the literal meaning, a text, a sentence, a number, or a letter is often dictated. You can also dictate something to someone 'in den Block' (into the notepad) or 'in die Feder' (literally: into the pen).
EXAMPLE
Können Sie mir bitte Ihre Telefonnummer diktieren?
Could you please dictate your phone number to me?
Context clue: power and politics
When 'diktieren' (to dictate) is used in connection with politics, history, or negotiations, it means 'aufzwingen' (to impose) or 'befehlen' (to command). Typical objects here are abstract things like conditions, rules, or a peace treaty.
EXAMPLE
Man kann sich die Bedingungen nicht immer aussuchen; manchmal werden sie einem diktiert.
You cannot always choose the conditions; sometimes they are dictated to you.
Figurative use
In a figurative meaning, abstract things like 'die Mode' (fashion), 'der Markt' (the market), or 'die Logik' (logic) can also dictate something. The subject is then not a person, but a concept that determines something.
EXAMPLE
Lass dir dein Leben nicht von anderen diktieren.
Don't let others dictate your life to you.
Compare with
diktieren vs bestimmen
to determine
'bestimmen' and 'diktieren' can both mean that someone determines what should happen. 'bestimmen' usually sounds more neutral: a person or group makes a decision or sets something. 'diktieren' is stronger and often negative when someone imposes something on others and leaves them no real room to maneuver. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with power or influence. A simple guideline is: someone who 'bestimmt' decides; someone who 'diktiert' imposes the decision on others in a very one-sided way.
diktieren
Der Vermieter diktiert die Bedingungen, ohne mit den Mietern zu sprechen.
The landlord dictates the conditions without talking to the tenants.
bestimmen
Die Teamleiterin bestimmt den Termin für die nächste Besprechung.
The team leader decides the date for the next meeting.
In real life
Loading video examples...