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To express your opinion about something or make a remark about something, for example in a discussion, online, or in the media.
Er wollte die Gerüchte über seinen Rücktritt nicht kommentieren.
He did not want to comment on the rumors about his resignation.
Verbs that end in '-ieren' are almost always regular in German. The important thing is that their past participle is formed without 'ge-'. So it is 'hat kommentiert' (has commented) and not 'hat gekommentiert'.
Er hat den Beitrag sofort kommentiert.
He commented on the post immediately.
'Kommentieren' is usually used directly with an accusative object. So you do not need a preposition to say what you are commenting on.
Die Chefin kommentierte die neuen Zahlen des Unternehmens.
The boss commented on the company's new figures.
In everyday digital life, 'kommentieren' is very frequently used for interactions on social media. Typical combinations are 'einen Post kommentieren' (to comment on a post), 'ein Foto kommentieren' (to comment on a photo), or 'einen Artikel kommentieren' (to comment on an article).
Warum hast du mein neues Profilbild noch nicht kommentiert?
Why haven't you commented on my new profile picture yet?
When it is about sports, a live show, or a public event, 'kommentieren' means the professional description and analysis for an audience. The context makes this special meaning clear.
Ein berühmter Ex-Spieler wird das Finale im Fernsehen kommentieren.
A famous former player will commentate on the final on TV.
In an academic or literary context, 'kommentieren' has a special meaning: to provide a text with scholarly explanations and notes. This use is limited to specialized language.
Für ihre Doktorarbeit kommentiert sie die Gedichte einer unbekannten Autorin.
For her doctoral dissertation, she is annotating the poems of an unknown author.
to explain / declare
'erklären' and 'kommentieren' can both have to do with speaking or writing about a topic. 'erklären' means that you want to make something understandable. 'kommentieren' means that you give an opinion, a remark, or an additional note about something. In texts, a comment can also contain explanatory notes. The words can be confused especially online or in discussions. If someone really answers a question, 'erklären' fits. If someone is only giving their opinion about it, 'kommentieren' is better.
Bitte kommentiere den Beitrag nur, wenn du etwas zum Thema sagen möchtest.
Please only comment on the post if you want to say something about the topic.
Er erklärt morgen, wie die neue Kaffeemaschine funktioniert.
Tomorrow he will explain how the new coffee machine works.