01
positionieren
to position
To place something or someone in a specific place or in a specific position.
example
Er positionierte die Kamera genau gegenüber dem Eingang.
He positioned the camera exactly opposite the entrance.
positionieren
to position
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'positionieren' (to position) is derived from the noun 'die Position' (the position). It literally means to bring something into a specific position.
EXAMPLE
Die genaue Position der Figuren auf dem Spielfeld ist entscheidend.
The exact position of the pieces on the playing field is crucial.
Style and register
'Positionieren' (to position) is a rather formal word that is often used in technical, political, or business contexts.
EXAMPLE
Der Sprecher positionierte das Mikrofon neu, um besser gehört zu werden.
The speaker repositioned the microphone in order to be heard better.
Reflexive with preposition
When expressing an opinion, the verb is used reflexively: 'sich positionieren' (to take a stance). The stance is often expressed with prepositions such as 'zu' (on), 'für' (for), or 'gegen' (against).
EXAMPLE
Die Partei muss sich klar zu diesem Thema positionieren.
The party must take a clear stance on this issue.
Use in marketing
In a business context, it is often followed by an accusative object (the product) and a location phrase for the market, e.g. 'im Luxussegment' (in the luxury segment) or 'als günstige Alternative' (as an affordable alternative).
EXAMPLE
Die Firma möchte ihr neues Smartphone im oberen Preissegment positionieren.
The company wants to position its new smartphone in the upper price segment.
Compare with
positionieren vs stellen
to put / to set
'stellen' and 'positionieren' both have to do with a place or position. 'stellen' is used in everyday language when you put something somewhere and it stands upright there. 'positionieren' is more precise and often more technical or planned: you put something or someone in a specific position, for example for a photo, a machine, or an exercise. The words can be confused because both describe a change of location. 'stellen' is usually simpler and more natural; 'positionieren' fits when the exact position is important.
positionieren
Sarah positioniert die Kamera so, dass alle Kinder auf dem Bild sind.
Sarah positions the camera so that all the children are in the picture.
stellen
Ida stellt den Stuhl in der Pause ans Fenster.
During the break, Ida puts the chair by the window.
In real life
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