gelten
to be valid
To have validity; to be in force or effective. Often refers to rules, laws, offers, or tickets.
EXAMPLE
Diese Fahrkarte gilt nur für den Nahverkehr.
This ticket is valid only for local public transport.
gelten
to apply / be valid
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Meanings
gelten als
to be considered
To be seen or regarded as something; to have a certain reputation.
EXAMPLE
Sie gilt als Expertin auf dem Gebiet der künstlichen Intelligenz.
She is considered an expert in the field of artificial intelligence.
gelten für
to apply to
To refer to someone or something; to be applicable to someone or something.
EXAMPLE
Die Hausordnung gilt für alle Mieter ohne Ausnahme.
The house rules apply to all tenants without exception.
jemandem/etwas gelten
to be directed at
To be intended for someone or something specific, or directed at someone or something.
EXAMPLE
Sein besorgter Blick galt seiner Tochter, die auf die Bühne ging.
His concerned look was directed at his daughter, who was walking onto the stage.
es gilt zu
it is necessary to
A formal expression indicating that something must be done or that an important task lies ahead.
EXAMPLE
Nach diesem Rückschlag gilt es nun, nicht aufzugeben und nach vorne zu blicken.
After this setback, it is now necessary not to give up and to look ahead.
Usage tips
Use without a preposition
In the meaning 'gültig sein' (to be valid), 'gelten' often stands alone with the subject. The subject is the rule, law, or document that is in force.
EXAMPLE
Das Angebot gilt nur noch bis morgen.
The offer is valid only until tomorrow.
Fixed construction
To express that someone or something has a certain reputation, the fixed structure 'gelten als' (to be considered as) + nominative is used.
EXAMPLE
Der Film gilt als Meisterwerk des modernen Kinos.
The film is considered a masterpiece of modern cinema.
Correct preposition
When 'gelten' means that something applies to someone or something, the preposition 'für' (for) with the accusative is always used.
EXAMPLE
Diese Regel gilt nicht für Kinder unter sechs Jahren.
This rule does not apply to children under six years old.
Dative construction
To express that something is directed at a person or thing, the target is in the dative. This construction is often found with looks, thoughts, or greetings.
EXAMPLE
Sein erster Gedanke am Morgen galt dem bevorstehenden Gespräch.
His first thought in the morning was directed at the upcoming conversation.
Formal expression
The impersonal expression 'es gilt zu' + infinitive expresses a necessity or an important task. It is used mainly in written language or in formal speeches.
EXAMPLE
Nach der Niederlage gilt es, die Mannschaft neu zu motivieren.
After the defeat, it is necessary to motivate the team again.
Compare with
gelten vs laufen
to run
When referring to a contract, both gelten and laufen can work. Gelten emphasizes that the contract is valid, while laufen highlights its duration. Use gelten when you are talking about validity; when stating the period, laufen is usually more appropriate.
gelten
Der Vertrag gilt noch bis Ende Juni.
The contract is still valid until the end of June.
laufen
Der Vertrag läuft noch bis Ende Juni.
The contract still runs until the end of June.
In real life
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