01
interpretieren
to interpret
To read, explain, or understand something (e.g. a text, data, behavior) in a particular way.
example
Wie interpretieren Sie die neuesten Umfrageergebnisse?
How do you interpret the latest survey results?
interpretieren
to interpret
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Verbs ending in '-ieren'
The ending '-ieren' shows that this verb comes from a foreign language (here, Latin). Such verbs are regular in German and always form the past participle with 'hat' and the ending '-t' ('interpretiert').
EXAMPLE
Er hat ihre Reaktion komplett falsch interpretiert.
He completely misinterpreted her reaction.
Sentence structure with 'als'
A very common construction is 'etwas als etwas interpretieren' (to interpret something as something). Here, both the thing being interpreted and the interpretation itself are in the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Sein Schweigen wurde als Zustimmung interpretiert.
His silence was interpreted as agreement.
Typical objects
In the meaning of 'deuten' (to interpret), the objects are usually abstract. Typical examples are: interpreting 'Daten' (data), 'Ergebnisse' (results), 'ein Gedicht' (a poem), 'ein Gesetz' (a law), 'ein Verhalten' (a behavior), or 'ein Zeichen' (a sign).
EXAMPLE
Die Wissenschaftler interpretieren die Daten der Studie.
The scientists are interpreting the data from the study.
Art and music context
When it is about an artistic performance, the objects are always works or parts of them. You can interpret 'eine Rolle' (a role), 'ein Lied' (a song), 'eine Sonate' (a sonata), or 'ein Musikstück' (a piece of music).
EXAMPLE
Der Schauspieler hat die Rolle des Königs sehr überzeugend interpretiert.
The actor interpreted the role of the king very convincingly.
Compare with
interpretieren vs spielen
to play
'spielen' and 'interpretieren' can both be used with music, theater, or other artistic works. 'spielen' first describes the action: someone plays an instrument or a role. 'interpretieren' goes one step further and means that someone presents a work in their own way, with personal expression and understanding. The words can be confused because a person who is interpreting something often also plays or performs it. 'spielen' is more neutral and simpler in everyday language. 'interpretieren' fits especially when the focus is on style, feeling, and artistic presentation.
interpretieren
Bei der Prüfung hat ihr den Text sehr ruhig und persönlich interpretiert.
In the exam, she interpreted the text in a very calm and personal way.
spielen
Frau Schmidt spielt heute Abend in der Serie eine Ärztin.
Ms. Schmidt plays a doctor in the series this evening.
In real life
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