01
gleichen
to resemble
To be very similar to someone or something in appearance, qualities, or nature. The verb is used with the dative.
example
Der Sohn gleicht seinem Vater aufs Haar.
The son resembles his father exactly.
gleichen
to resemble
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
Usage tips
Dative construction
The verb 'gleichen' (to resemble) always requires an object in the dative. You ask: 'Wem gleicht die Person?' (Whom does the person resemble?). A common mistake is using the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Sie gleicht ihrer Mutter sehr.
She resembles her mother very much.
Word family
'Gleichen' (to resemble) is the verb related to the adjective 'gleich' (same, equal). It describes that someone or something is 'gleich' (similar/equal) to another person or thing in their qualities.
EXAMPLE
Kein Tag gleicht dem anderen.
No day is like another.
Reflexive use
When two subjects are being compared with each other, the verb is often used reflexively: 'sich gleichen' (to resemble each other). The two subjects are then plural or connected with 'und' (and).
EXAMPLE
Die beiden Schwestern gleichen sich sehr.
The two sisters resemble each other very much.
Compare with
gleichen vs erinnern
to remember / remind
'erinnern an' (to be reminiscent of) and 'gleichen' (to resemble) can both have to do with similarity. 'Etwas erinnert an jemanden oder etwas' means: when you see or hear it, you think of that person or thing because it seems similar. 'gleichen' says more directly that two people or things are very similar. The words can be confused because both express a comparison. The grammar is also important: 'erinnern an' is used with 'an' and the accusative, while 'gleichen' is used with the dative. 'Er erinnert mich an meinen Bruder' (He reminds me of my brother), but 'Er gleicht meinem Bruder' (He resembles my brother).
gleichen
Elif gleicht ihrer Schwester heute besonders stark.
Elif resembles her sister especially strongly today.
erinnern
Die Fahrerin hat mich im Krankenhaus an meine Tante erinnert.
The driver in the hospital reminded me of my aunt.
In real life
Loading video examples...