konsultieren
to consult
To seek the advice or opinion of an expert or knowledgeable person.
EXAMPLE
Bei anhaltenden Beschwerden sollten Sie unbedingt einen Arzt konsultieren.
If symptoms persist, you should definitely consult a doctor.
konsultieren
to consult
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Meanings
konsultieren
to consult
To look for and read up on information in a reference work, book, or another source.
EXAMPLE
Für die genaue Definition musste er das Fachwörterbuch konsultieren.
For the exact definition, he had to consult the specialist dictionary.
Usage tips
Elevated language
The verb 'konsultieren' (to consult) belongs to formal written language and educated language. In normal everyday conversation, people would often use simpler verbs like 'fragen' (to ask) or 'nachschauen' (to look up).
EXAMPLE
Vor einer wichtigen Investition sollte man einen Finanzberater konsultieren.
Before making an important investment, you should consult a financial advisor.
Use with the accusative
'Konsultieren' (to consult) is always used with a direct object in the accusative. So you ask: whom or what am I consulting?
EXAMPLE
Ich werde einen Spezialisten für mein Knieproblem konsultieren.
I will consult a specialist about my knee problem.
Typical collocations
When it is about seeking expert advice, 'konsultieren' (to consult) is often connected with job titles. Typical phrases are: 'einen Arzt konsultieren' (to consult a doctor), 'einen Anwalt konsultieren' (to consult a lawyer), or 'einen Experten konsultieren' (to consult an expert).
EXAMPLE
Bei rechtlichen Fragen ist es ratsam, einen Anwalt zu konsultieren.
For legal questions, it is advisable to consult a lawyer.
Context clue
You can recognize this meaning by the fact that the object is a reference work or a source of information. For example, you consult a dictionary, an encyclopedia, the files, or a website.
EXAMPLE
Um die Bedeutung des Wortes zu finden, konsultierte sie ein Online-Wörterbuch.
To find the meaning of the word, she consulted an online dictionary.
Compare with
konsultieren vs zuziehen
to draw closed / move in
Zuziehen and konsultieren can both be used when expert advice is needed. Konsultieren focuses on obtaining someone's opinion. Zuziehen emphasizes that the expert is also brought into a case or task.
konsultieren
Für eine fachliche Meinung zum Projekt konsultierte die Leiterin eine Expertin.
The manager consulted an expert for a professional opinion on the project.
zuziehen
Für die weitere Arbeit am Projekt zog die Leiterin eine Expertin zu.
The manager brought in an expert for the further work on the project.
In real life
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