01
rangieren
to rank
To occupy a particular place or rank in an order, hierarchy, or list.
example
In der Weltrangliste rangiert die Mannschaft derzeit auf dem fünften Platz.
In the world rankings, the team currently ranks in fifth place.
rangieren
to rank / to shunt
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'rangieren' (to rank/to shunt) is derived from the noun 'der Rang' (rank), which means 'position' or 'status'. So it describes occupying a particular rank.
EXAMPLE
Er hat einen hohen Rang im Unternehmen.
He has a high rank in the company.
False friend
'Rangieren' (to rank/to shunt) does not mean the same thing as the English 'to range'. 'To range' describes a span (e.g., 'prices range from A to B'), while 'rangieren' refers to a fixed position in an order.
EXAMPLE
Das Produkt rangiert bei den Kundenbewertungen ganz oben.
The product ranks right at the top in customer reviews.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the context: If it is about lists, places, or comparisons, it means a position. If it is about trains, cars, or stations, it means moving railway cars.
EXAMPLE
Die Universität rangiert international unter den Top 50.
The university ranks internationally among the top 50.
Typical prepositions
When it is about a position in a list, 'rangieren' (to rank) is often used with the prepositions 'auf' (+ dative) for an exact place or 'unter' (+ dative) for a group.
EXAMPLE
Der Film rangiert auf Platz eins der Kinocharts.
The film ranks first in the cinema charts.
Register: technical language
In the meaning of moving railway cars, 'rangieren' (to shunt) is a technical term from the railway field. You hear it almost exclusively in this context.
EXAMPLE
Der Rangierbahnhof ist rund um die Uhr in Betrieb.
The marshalling yard is in operation around the clock.
Compare with
rangieren vs stehen
to stand
'stehen' and 'rangieren' can both say what position something has in a list or order. 'stehen' is the normal and simple word here: a team 'steht auf Platz eins' (is in first place), a name 'steht auf einer Liste' (is on a list). 'rangieren' sounds more formal and is especially suitable for comparisons, tables, or evaluations. Learners may confuse the words because both describe a position. As a guide: in everyday language, 'stehen' is usually more natural; in official rankings or statistics, 'rangieren' is more precise.
rangieren
In der Studie rangiert die Stadt bei der Lebensqualität sehr weit oben.
In the study, the city ranks very high for quality of life.
stehen
Nach dem Sieg steht unser Team wieder auf dem zweiten Platz.
After the win, our team is back in second place.
In real life
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