01
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
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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 Rat
advice / council
'der Rat' and 'konsultieren' are connected when you are looking for help or an expert opinion. 'Rat' is the advice itself. 'konsultieren' describes the action: you ask a knowledgeable person or look something up in a source in order to get advice or information. 'konsultieren' sounds more formal than 'fragen' (to ask) and is especially suitable for doctors, lawyers, experts, or reference works. In everyday language, people often say 'um Rat fragen' (to ask for advice); in more formal situations, you can 'konsultieren' someone or something.
konsultieren
Bei starken Schmerzen sollte man einen Arzt konsultieren.
If you have severe pain, you should consult a doctor.
Rat
Für die Prüfung bittest du im Kurs deine Lehrerin um Rat.
For the exam, you ask your teacher in the course for advice.
In real life
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