to consult / include
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to consult
To ask another person, often an expert, for advice, help, or an opinion and involve them in a matter.
Bei dieser komplexen Rechtsfrage sollten wir einen Anwalt hinzuziehen.
For this complex legal question, we should consult a lawyer.
'Hinzuziehen' is a separable verb. The prefix 'hinzu' comes at the end in main clauses. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive, the verb stays together.
Bei schwierigen Entscheidungen ziehen wir oft einen Berater hinzu.
In difficult decisions, we often bring in a consultant.
The verb consists of 'hinzu' (additionally) and 'ziehen' (to pull/draw, in the sense of 'bring in' or 'include'). So you additionally 'draw' a person or a piece of information into a situation.
Für die Analyse müssen wir weitere Daten hinzuziehen.
For the analysis, we have to include additional data.
The object of the verb reveals the exact meaning. If the object is a person, e.g. 'einen Arzt' (a doctor), it means 'to consult'. If the object is a thing, e.g. 'Dokumente' (documents), it means 'to take into account' or 'to include'.
Wegen der Schmerzen hat sie einen Spezialisten hinzugezogen.
Because of the pain, she consulted a specialist.
In the meaning 'to consult', the verb is often combined with professions that have expertise. Typical phrases are: 'einen Experten hinzuziehen' (to consult an expert), 'einen Anwalt hinzuziehen' (to consult a lawyer), or 'die Polizei hinzuziehen' (to call in the police).
Bei rechtlichen Problemen sollte man immer einen Anwalt hinzuziehen.
For legal problems, you should always consult a lawyer.
to consider
'berücksichtigen' and 'hinzuziehen' can both mean that you include something in a decision or consideration. However, 'berücksichtigen' mainly means: you think about a factor and take it into account. 'hinzuziehen' sounds more active and additional: you bring in another person, a document, or a piece of information in order to make a better decision. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with including something. In practice: you 'berücksichtigen' a circumstance; you 'hinzuziehen' an expert, a report, or additional information.
Bei starken Schmerzen zieht die Ärztin einen Spezialisten hinzu.
In cases of severe pain, the doctor consults a specialist.
Die Firma berücksichtigt bei der Schichtplanung auch die Wünsche der Mitarbeiter.
When planning shifts, the company also considers the employees' wishes.