01
mitteilen
to inform
To give someone information or make something known; to inform someone about a matter.
example
Der Arzt teilte dem Patienten die Ergebnisse der Untersuchung mit.
The doctor informed the patient of the examination results.
mitteilen
to communicate
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word formation
The verb is made up of 'mit' (with) and 'teilen' (to share/divide). The literal meaning is therefore to 'share' information 'with' someone.
EXAMPLE
Können Sie mir bitte Ihre neue Adresse mitteilen?
Could you please inform me of your new address?
Separable verb
'Mitteilen' (to inform/communicate) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'mit' goes at the end; in a subordinate clause, the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Der Chef teilt uns die Neuigkeiten morgen mit.
The boss will inform us of the news tomorrow.
Dative construction
The person who receives the information is always in the dative. The information itself is in the accusative. The pattern is: jemandem (dative) etwas (accusative) mitteilen.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe ihm meine Entscheidung bereits mitgeteilt.
I have already informed him of my decision.
Register
'Mitteilen' (to inform) is more formal than 'sagen' (to say) or 'Bescheid geben' (to let someone know). It is frequently used in written language, in emails, or in official contexts.
EXAMPLE
Wir teilen Ihnen mit, dass Ihr Antrag genehmigt wurde.
We hereby inform you that your application has been approved.
Reflexive use
In the reflexive form 'sich mitteilen' (to express oneself), the focus is on expressing one's feelings and thoughts. It is often combined with adverbs such as 'kaum' (hardly), 'schwer' (with difficulty), or 'offen' (openly).
EXAMPLE
In der Therapie lernte er, sich besser mitzuteilen.
In therapy, he learned to express himself better.
Compare with
mitteilen vs sagen
to say
'sagen' and 'mitteilen' both have to do with someone giving information. 'sagen' is very general and fits in almost any everyday situation, including short sentences or personal conversations. 'mitteilen' sounds more precise and a little more official: information is deliberately passed on to someone. In letters, emails, or important messages, 'mitteilen' is often more natural. In casual conversation, people usually just say 'sagen'.
mitteilen
Die Schule teilt den Eltern mit, dass der Unterricht morgen später beginnt.
The school informs the parents that classes will start later tomorrow.
sagen
Julia sagt ihrer Mutter vor dem Termin schnell die neue Uhrzeit.
Before the appointment, Julia quickly tells her mother the new time.
In real life
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