sortieren
to sort
To arrange, group, or put objects, data, or information in order according to certain criteria.
EXAMPLE
Bitte sortiere die Briefe nach dem Postleitzahlen.
Please sort the letters by postal code.
sortieren
to sort
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Meanings
sich sortieren
to collect oneself
To organize one's thoughts or feelings in order to gain clarity or calm down.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Streit musste ich mich erst einmal sortieren.
After the argument, I first had to collect myself.
Usage tips
Sorting by criteria
If you want to specify the criterion by which something is being organized, use the preposition 'nach' followed by the dative. This pattern is very common.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder sortieren die Bausteine nach der Farbe.
The children are sorting the building blocks by color.
Typical objects
'Sortieren' (to sort) is often used for everyday organizing tasks. Typical objects are 'die Wäsche' (the laundry), 'den Müll' (the trash), 'Fotos' (photos), or 'E-Mails' (emails).
EXAMPLE
Am Wochenende muss ich unbedingt meine alten Fotos auf dem Computer sortieren.
At the weekend, I absolutely have to sort my old photos on the computer.
Reflexive use
The verb can also be used reflexively: 'sich sortieren' (to collect oneself). This means that a person organizes their own thoughts or feelings in order to be able to think clearly again.
EXAMPLE
Gib mir eine Minute, ich muss mich nach dieser überraschenden Nachricht erst mal sortieren.
Give me a minute; after this surprising news, I first need to collect myself.
Compare with
sortieren vs trennen
to separate
When dealing with waste, both verbs can be used. “Trennen” emphasizes separating different materials from one another, while “sortieren” highlights arranging or grouping them according to specific criteria. Use “trennen” when the waste is put into separate areas, and “sortieren” when the focus is on organization.
sortieren
Wir sortieren den gesammelten Müll nach Papier, Glas und Restmüll.
We sort the collected waste into paper, glass, and non-recyclable waste.
trennen
Wir trennen den Müll in Papier, Glas und Restmüll.
We separate the waste into paper, glass, and non-recyclable waste.
In real life
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