01
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
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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 mean that you take something from someone or from an original. 'kopieren' puts more emphasis on making something as similar as possible, for example a style, an idea, or a text. 'nachahmen' is especially suitable for behavior, voice, movements, or a way of acting. It can also be used for products or works of art when they are meant to look like an original. In everyday language, 'nachahmen' often sounds more natural when the focus is on people or animals. 'kopieren' sounds more precise when the result is meant to be like a copy.
nachahmen
Heute hat meine Kollegin den Dialekt ihres Bruders nachgeahmt.
Today my colleague imitated her brother's dialect.
kopieren
Nach der Arbeit kopiert Max die Präsentation auf den gemeinsamen Ordner.
After work, Max copies the presentation to the shared folder.
In real life
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