01
klassifizieren
to classify
To assign something or someone to a particular class, group, or category.
example
Die Bibliothekare klassifizieren die neuen Bücher nach Themengebieten.
The librarians classify the new books by subject area.
klassifizieren
to classify
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The verb ends in '-ifizieren' (-ify). This ending comes from Latin and means 'to make something into something.' So 'klassifizieren' (to classify) literally means to put something into a 'Klasse' (class) or assign it to one.
EXAMPLE
Man muss die Proben klassifizieren, bevor man sie analysiert.
You have to classify the samples before analyzing them.
Sentence structure with 'als' and 'nach'
There are two important patterns: You classify something (accusative) 'als' (as) something, e.g. 'gefährlich' (dangerous), in order to assign a category. Or you classify something (accusative) 'nach' (by/according to) a criterion (dative), in order to sort it.
EXAMPLE
Der Experte klassifizierte den Fund als historisch wertvoll.
The expert classified the find as historically valuable.
Typical objects
This verb is often used with things that can be sorted or divided into categories. Common objects are 'Daten' (data), 'Dokumente' (documents), 'Produkte' (products), or 'Fälle' (cases).
EXAMPLE
Die Software hilft dabei, große Mengen an E-Mails zu klassifizieren.
The software helps classify large amounts of emails.
Compare with
klassifizieren vs zuordnen
to assign
'zuordnen' and 'klassifizieren' can both mean placing something into a group or category. 'zuordnen' is more general and also very natural in everyday situations, for example in an exercise or a list. 'klassifizieren' sounds more precise and somewhat more technical. It is often used when things are systematically organized according to fixed classes, for example in science, technology, or administration. If it is only about entering something in the right place, 'zuordnen' is usually enough.
klassifizieren
Die Forscher klassifizieren die Pflanzen nach ihrer Form und Farbe.
The researchers classify the plants according to their shape and color.
zuordnen
Sie hat die Fotos für das Projekt den passenden Themen zugeordnet.
She assigned the photos for the project to the appropriate topics.
In real life
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