01
lokalisieren
to locate
To determine or find the exact place or position of someone or something.
example
Die Feuerwehr konnte den Brandherd schnell lokalisieren.
The fire department was able to quickly locate the source of the fire.
lokalisieren
to locate / localize
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The verb 'lokalisieren' (to locate/localize) is derived from the adjective 'lokal' (local). The ending '-isieren' (-ize) forms verbs and often means 'to do something' or 'to make something,' here meaning 'to determine the location of something.'
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei versucht, den Anrufer zu lokalisieren.
The police are trying to locate the caller.
Sentence structure
Verbs ending in '-isieren' are always regular, weak verbs. They are also never separable, so the prefix always stays attached to the verb.
EXAMPLE
Er lokalisierte das Problem schnell.
He quickly located the problem.
Typical objects
In the meaning 'finden' (to find), the verb is often used with objects such as 'den Fehler' (the error), 'die Ursache' (the cause), 'den Standort' (the location), or 'eine Person' (a person).
EXAMPLE
Der Techniker konnte die Ursache des Problems nicht lokalisieren.
The technician could not locate the cause of the problem.
Context clue
The meaning 'eingrenzen' (to contain/narrow down) or 'beschränken' (to restrict/confine) is often used in medical or technical contexts. Typical objects here are 'eine Infektion' (an infection), 'ein Brand' (a fire), or 'ein Schaden' (damage).
EXAMPLE
Die Einsatzkräfte versuchen, das Feuer auf den Wald zu lokalisieren.
The emergency crews are trying to contain the fire in the forest.
Compare with
lokalisieren vs finden
to find
'finden' and 'lokalisieren' can both mean that you discover where something is. 'finden' is the normal everyday word: you look for something or discover it by chance. 'lokalisieren' is more precise and sounds more technical or formal. It means determining the exact place or position, for example with devices, maps, or data. Learners may confuse the words because the result can be similar. In everyday life, people usually say 'finden'; for precise locating, 'lokalisieren' is more likely.
lokalisieren
Die Techniker konnten den Fehler im Netz schnell lokalisieren.
The technicians were able to quickly locate the fault in the network.
finden
Vor dem Termin finde ich meine Schlüssel endlich unter dem Sofa.
Before the appointment, I finally find my keys under the sofa.
In real life
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