to read / sound
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to read
To have a particular wording or content. Used to reproduce the exact text of a statement, question, address, or rule.
Die Frage im Test lautet: 'Was ist die Hauptstadt von Deutschland?'
The question on the test reads: 'What is the capital of Germany?'
The verb 'lauten' (to read/sound) is related to the noun 'der Laut' (the sound, the noise). So it originally describes how something sounds or is heard, which makes today's main meaning, 'einen bestimmten Wortlaut haben' (to have a particular wording), understandable.
Die erste Strophe des Gedichts lautet anders als ich dachte.
The first stanza of the poem reads differently than I thought.
'Lauten' (to read) is used to introduce the exact content of something written or spoken. The subject is often a word like 'die Frage' (the question), 'die Regel' (the rule), or 'die Adresse' (the address), followed by 'lautet' and the direct content.
Die offizielle Adresse lautet: Hauptstraße 1, 10115 Berlin.
The official address is: Hauptstraße 1, 10115 Berlin.
Common subjects for 'lauten' (to read) are words that have fixed content. These include: die Antwort (the answer), der Befehl (the order), die Diagnose (the diagnosis), das Motto (the motto), der Vorwurf (the accusation), or das Urteil (the verdict).
Das Motto des Festivals lautet „Musik verbindet“.
The motto of the festival is 'Music connects'.
The meaning 'to make a noise' is very rare today and is used almost only in poetic or old-fashioned language. In normal usage, this use is uncommon.
In dem Gedicht lauten die Abendglocken über dem Tal.
In the poem, the evening bells sound over the valley.
to stand
'stehen' and 'lauten' can both say what is written in a text. 'stehen' is very general and fits when you simply want to say that something is written on a note, sign, or in a message. 'lauten' is used more when you give the exact wording, for example of a question, rule, address, or heading. Learners may confuse the words because both point to written information. As a simple guide: 'Da steht ...' sounds suitable for everyday use; 'Die Frage lautet ...' sounds more precise and a little more formal.
Die erste Frage im Formular lautet: Wie heißen Sie?
The first question on the form reads: What is your name?
Auf dem Schild steht, dass der Eingang geschlossen ist.
The sign says that the entrance is closed.