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
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Meanings
diktieren
to dictate
To command or impose something on someone; to set conditions unilaterally.
EXAMPLE
Die Siegermacht diktierte dem besiegten Land die harten Friedensbedingungen.
The victorious power dictated the harsh peace terms to the defeated country.
diktieren
to dictate
To determine or prescribe something decisively.
EXAMPLE
Die Mode diktiert, welche Farben in dieser Saison angesagt sind.
Fashion dictates which colors are popular this season.
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 vorschreiben
to prescribe / write out
Vorschreiben and diktieren can both mean that conditions are set unilaterally. Vorschreiben refers to a binding rule or instruction. Diktieren places greater emphasis on someone using their power to impose conditions on others in an authoritarian way.
diktieren
Der mächtige Auftraggeber diktiert dem Lieferanten alle Bedingungen.
The powerful client dictates all the conditions to the supplier.
vorschreiben
Der Auftraggeber schreibt für die Lieferung klare Bedingungen vor.
The client prescribes clear conditions for the delivery.
In real life
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