nachahmen
to imitate
To deliberately copy the behavior, voice, movements, or manner of a person or animal.
EXAMPLE
Der Papagei kann die Stimme seines Besitzers perfekt nachahmen.
The parrot can perfectly imitate its owner's voice.
nachahmen
to imitate
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Meanings
nachahmen
to imitate / copy
To copy a product, work of art, or style in order to create a replica or counterfeit.
EXAMPLE
Viele günstige Modemarken ahmen die Designs teurer Designer nach.
Many inexpensive fashion brands imitate the designs of expensive designers.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Nachahmen' (to imitate) is a separable verb. The prefix 'nach-' goes at the end of the main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Kleine Kinder ahmen ihre Eltern oft nach.
Small children often imitate their parents.
Sentence structure and usage
The verb 'nachahmen' (to imitate) always requires an accusative object. You ask: Whom or what is someone imitating?
EXAMPLE
Der Komiker ahmte den berühmten Politiker nach.
The comedian imitated the famous politician.
Context clue
The context reveals the exact meaning. If the object is a person or animal, it is about behavior or voice. If the object is a product or work of art, it is about creating a copy.
EXAMPLE
Mein kleiner Bruder versucht, die Geräusche der Vögel nachzuahmen.
My little brother tries to imitate the sounds of the birds.
Typical collocations
When it is about copying behavior, 'nachahmen' (to imitate) is often used with objects such as 'die Stimme' (the voice), 'die Bewegungen' (the movements), 'die Gesten' (the gestures), or 'den Akzent' (the accent) of a person.
EXAMPLE
Sie kann den Akzent ihrer Heimatstadt perfekt nachahmen.
She can perfectly imitate the accent of her hometown.
Compare with
nachahmen vs kopieren
to copy
Kopieren and nachahmen can both refer to adopting another person's behavior. Kopieren suggests copying it as accurately as possible, whereas nachahmen places more emphasis on consciously imitating the person's manner or effect. Both words can therefore be possible in the same situation.
nachahmen
Lena ahmt bei ihrem Auftritt die lockere Art der Sängerin nach.
During her performance, Lena imitates the singer's relaxed manner.
kopieren
Lena kopiert bei ihrem Auftritt jede Bewegung der Sängerin möglichst genau.
During her performance, Lena copies every one of the singer's movements as accurately as possible.
In real life
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