01
nennen
to name
To give someone or something a name.
example
Sie haben beschlossen, ihr Kind Leo zu nennen.
They decided to name their child Leo.
nennen
to call / name
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 04
Usage tips
Sentence structure with double accusative
The verb 'nennen' (to call/name) is often used with a double accusative. This means that two accusative objects appear in the sentence: the person/thing being named, and the name or label itself.
EXAMPLE
Seine Freunde nennen ihn einen Experten für alte Filme.
His friends call him an expert on old films.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'erwähnen' (to mention), 'nennen' (to name/mention) is often combined with words like 'Gründe' (reasons), 'Beispiele' (examples), 'Vorteile' (advantages), 'Nachteile' (disadvantages), or 'Zahlen' (figures/numbers).
EXAMPLE
Der Redner nannte drei wesentliche Vorteile des neuen Systems.
The speaker named three key advantages of the new system.
Context clue
When 'nennen' (to call) is used to characterize someone, it often has a negative or derogatory meaning. The second accusative object is then usually an insult or a critical description.
EXAMPLE
Sie war so enttäuscht, dass sie ihn einen Lügner nannte.
She was so disappointed that she called him a liar.
Reflexive use
The verb can also be used reflexively: 'sich nennen' (to call oneself). This means that a person uses a particular name or label for themselves.
EXAMPLE
Der Künstler nennt sich einfach nur „Z“.
The artist simply calls himself 'Z.'
Compare with
nennen vs sagen
to say
'sagen' and 'nennen' both have to do with language. 'sagen' is more general: you say a sentence, an opinion, a piece of advice, or a piece of information. 'nennen' is used when you give a name, a number, a reason, or an example. You can also call someone by a certain label. Learners often confuse the words because in both cases you pronounce something. In practical terms: if the whole content is important, 'sagen' usually fits. If it is about a name or a short detail, 'nennen' is more precise.
nennen
Mein Kollege nennt im Bus noch schnell den Ort der Veranstaltung.
My colleague quickly mentions the location of the event while we are on the bus.
sagen
Im Gespräch mit einem Freund sage ich, dass die Reparatur länger dauert.
In a conversation with a friend, I say that the repair is taking longer.
In real life
Loading video examples...