to identify
Loading your saved state.
to identify
To recognize someone or something and determine clearly who or what it is.
Die Zeugin konnte den Täter auf dem Foto eindeutig identifizieren.
The witness was able to clearly identify the perpetrator in the photo.
'Identifizieren' (to identify) is a typical verb ending in '-ieren'. These verbs are always regular, not separable, and form the past participle without 'ge-' (identifiziert).
Er hat das Geräusch als Vogelgezwitscher identifiziert.
He identified the sound as birdsong.
The two meanings have different grammar. Recognizing someone/something means 'etwas identifizieren' (to identify something, with accusative). Feeling connected to someone/something means 'sich mit etwas identifizieren' (to identify with something, reflexive with a preposition).
Der Experte konnte die Pilzart sofort identifizieren.
The expert was able to identify the mushroom species immediately.
In the meaning of 'wiedererkennen' (to recognize), the verb is often used in official or scientific contexts. Typical objects are: identify a perpetrator, a cause, a problem, or a corpse.
Die Forscher versuchen, die Ursache der Krankheit zu identifizieren.
The researchers are trying to identify the cause of the disease.
When expressing connection with an idea or group, the reflexive construction 'sich identifizieren mit' (to identify with) + dative is always used. The preposition 'mit' is fixed here.
Er identifiziert sich stark mit den Werten seines Vereins.
He strongly identifies with the values of his club.
to recognize / realize
'erkennen' and 'identifizieren' can both mean that you determine who or what someone or something is. 'erkennen' is the normal everyday word, especially when you recognize a person or thing. 'identifizieren' sounds more precise and often more formal. It fits well when something has to be determined clearly, for example by the police, in medicine, or with data. The two words can be similar, but 'identifizieren' places more emphasis on certain and precise identification.
Die Polizei konnte den Besitzer des Fahrrads über die Rahmennummer identifizieren.
The police were able to identify the owner of the bicycle using the frame number.
Ich erkenne den Lehrer sofort, obwohl ich ihn seit Jahren nicht gesehen habe.
I recognize the teacher immediately, even though I haven't seen him in years.