to give a talk / refer
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to give a talk on
To give a presentation, talk, or report on a specific topic, usually in a formal, academic, or professional setting.
Im Seminar wird jeder Student über ein selbstgewähltes Thema referieren.
In the seminar, each student will give a talk on a topic of their own choice.
to refer to
To relate to something or refer to something. This meaning is more formal and is often used in academic or legal texts.
Der Anwalt referierte in seinem Plädoyer auf ein früheres Urteil des Bundesgerichtshofs.
In his plea, the lawyer referred to an earlier ruling by the Federal Court of Justice.
to be responsible for
To be responsible in an authority or organization as the relevant case officer (Referent) for a particular case or subject area and to report on it.
In dieser Abteilung referiert sie das Sachgebiet Umweltschutz.
In this department, she is responsible for the subject area of environmental protection.
Verbs that end in '-ieren' are always regular and inseparable. The past participle is formed without 'ge-', and the perfect tense is always formed with 'haben' (to have).
Gestern hat er über sein Projekt referiert.
Yesterday he gave a talk about his project.
The grammar reveals the meaning: 'referieren über' (+ accusative) means to give a talk. 'Referieren auf' (+ accusative) means to refer to. Without a preposition and with a direct accusative object, it means to be responsible for something.
Sie referiert über die Geschichte der Stadt.
She is giving a talk on the history of the city.
The most common meaning of 'referieren' (to give a talk) is used in academic or professional contexts. You typically give a talk in a seminar, at a conference, or in front of colleagues.
Nächste Woche muss ich vor der gesamten Abteilung referieren.
Next week I have to give a talk in front of the entire department.
The meaning 'sich beziehen auf' (to refer to) is very formal. It is mainly found in academic, legal, or very formal written texts.
In seiner Argumentation referierte der Wissenschaftler auf mehrere Studien.
In his argument, the scientist referred to several studies.
to report
Both verbs can refer to informing others about a matter. referieren, however, is tied to a formal presentation or a corresponding professional or academic role, whereas berichten can also be used neutrally in everyday situations. Use referieren for a planned formal presentation and berichten for an ordinary report.
Der Experte referierte auf der Konferenz über den Stand des Projekts.
The expert gave a talk at the conference on the project’s progress.
Die Mitarbeiterin berichtete ihrem Vorgesetzten über den Stand des Projekts.
The employee reported to her supervisor on the project’s progress.
