01
lesen
to read
To take in written or printed text with the eyes and understand its content.
example
Am Wochenende möchte ich endlich in Ruhe mein neues Buch lesen.
At the weekend, I finally want to read my new book in peace.
lesen
to read
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Irregular verb
'Lesen' (to read) is a strong, irregular verb. Pay attention to the vowel change in the 2nd and 3rd person singular present tense (er liest) and in the past forms (er las, er hat gelesen).
EXAMPLE
Was liest du da gerade?
What are you reading right now?
Meaning through the object
The exact meaning of 'lesen' often only becomes clear through the object. Are you reading a book, a map, a meter reading, or harvesting grapes? The noun in the sentence tells you.
EXAMPLE
Ich kann diese kleine Schrift ohne Brille nicht lesen.
I can't read this small print without glasses.
University context
The meaning 'eine Vorlesung halten' (to give a lecture) is used almost exclusively in the academic context of a university. The subject is typically a professor or lecturer.
EXAMPLE
Nächstes Semester liest sie über die französische Revolution.
Next semester, she is lecturing on the French Revolution.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'jemandem die Leviten lesen' (to give someone a dressing-down) has a fixed structure. The person being criticized is always in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Als er die Hausaufgaben vergaß, hat ihm die Lehrerin die Leviten gelesen.
When he forgot the homework, the teacher gave him a dressing-down.
Viticulture context
In the context of viticulture, 'lesen' means harvesting grapes. This meaning is very specific and is used only in this field.
EXAMPLE
Die Winzer waren mit der Qualität der gelesenen Trauben sehr zufrieden.
The winegrowers were very satisfied with the quality of the harvested grapes.
Compare with
lesen vs studieren
to study
'lesen' and 'studieren' can both have to do with texts and understanding. 'lesen' means taking in a written text and understanding its content. 'studieren' can mean studying a subject at a university or college. But it can also mean reading or examining something very closely. The words can be confused when books or documents are involved: you normally read a novel. You can study a contract or plan if you examine it very carefully.
lesen
Am Bahnhof liest du die Anzeige, weil dein Zug Verspätung hat.
At the station, you read the display because your train is delayed.
studieren
Meine Kollegin hat heute die Bewerbungsunterlagen genau studiert.
My colleague studied the application documents carefully today.
In real life
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