01
konvertieren
to convert
In information technology, to change data or a file from one format into another.
example
Ich muss dieses Word-Dokument in eine PDF-Datei konvertieren.
I have to convert this Word document into a PDF file.
konvertieren
to convert
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Meanings
01 / 03
Usage tips
Regular verb
Verbs ending in '-ieren' are always regular and inseparable. The past participle is formed without 'ge-'. So it is 'er hat konvertiert' (he converted / has converted).
EXAMPLE
Er hat die Datei erfolgreich in ein anderes Format konvertiert.
He successfully converted the file into another format.
Three main contexts
The word is mainly used in three areas: IT (files, formats), religion (faith), and finance (currencies, shares). The rest of the sentence always makes clear which area is meant.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du mir zeigen, wie man eine MP3-Datei konvertiert?
Can you show me how to convert an MP3 file?
Sentence structure in IT
In a technical context, you use the structure: etwas (accusative) in etwas anderes (accusative) konvertieren — to convert something into something else.
EXAMPLE
Bitte konvertiere diese Präsentation in ein PDF.
Please convert this presentation into a PDF.
Sentence structure for religion
When someone changes religion, the fixed structure is: zu einer Religion (dative) konvertieren — to convert to a religion. The auxiliary verb in the perfect tense is usually 'sein' here, to emphasize the transition.
EXAMPLE
Sie ist vor einigen Jahren zum Judentum konvertiert.
She converted to Judaism a few years ago.
Sentence structure in finance
Similar to IT, the structure here is: etwas (accusative) in etwas anderes (accusative) konvertieren — to convert something into something else.
EXAMPLE
Im Urlaub musste ich meine Euros in britische Pfund konvertieren.
On vacation, I had to convert my euros into British pounds.
Compare with
konvertieren vs wechseln
to change / switch
'wechseln' and 'konvertieren' can both mean that something is put into another form. 'wechseln' is especially natural in everyday language with money, for example when you want to change euros into dollars. 'konvertieren' sounds more technical and is often used for files, data, or in finance. It is not just about a simple exchange, but about converting something into another format or another form. In normal everyday situations, people usually say 'Geld wechseln' (to change money); in technology or official financial texts, 'konvertieren' fits better.
konvertieren
Vor dem Hochladen konvertiert Maria die Datei in ein anderes Format.
Before uploading it, Maria converts the file into another format.
wechseln
Am Flughafen wechselt der Kunde noch schnell etwas Geld.
At the airport, the customer quickly changes some money.
In real life
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