01
stimmen
to be right
To be right or correct; to correspond to the truth.
example
Irgendetwas stimmt hier nicht, die Zahlen passen nicht zusammen.
Something isn't right here; the numbers don't add up.
stimmen
to be right / to vote / to tune
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
The meaning of 'stimmen' can be recognized well from the sentence structure. If it stands alone, it means 'to be right'. If a preposition such as 'für' (for) or 'gegen' (against) follows, it is about voting. If an object follows (e.g. an instrument), it means 'to adjust/tune'.
EXAMPLE
Die Rechnung ist zu hoch, da stimmt etwas nicht.
The bill is too high; something isn't right there.
Word family
The verb 'stimmen' is closely related to the noun 'die Stimme' (voice/vote). This connection helps with understanding: in an election, you cast your vote, an instrument is brought to the correct 'Stimme' (pitch), and when something 'stimmt' (is right), it has, so to speak, the 'voice' of truth.
EXAMPLE
Seine Stimme war nach dem Konzert heiser.
His voice was hoarse after the concert.
Typical use
In the meaning 'to be correct', 'stimmen' is often used in short, everyday sentences. 'Das stimmt' (that's right) is a common way to express agreement. When paying, you say 'Stimmt so' to indicate that the change is a tip.
EXAMPLE
Du kommst aus Berlin? – Ja, das stimmt.
You're from Berlin? – Yes, that's right.
Correct preposition
When 'stimmen' is used in the sense of 'to vote', it needs a preposition. You vote 'für' (for) or 'gegen' (against) a person or proposal. You vote 'über' (on/about) a topic.
EXAMPLE
Die Bürger stimmten gegen den Bau der neuen Straße.
The citizens voted against the construction of the new road.
Sentence structure
To express a mood, the construction 'etwas stimmt jemanden + adjective' is used. The subject is the cause of the feeling, the object is the person, and the adjective describes the mood.
EXAMPLE
Der graue Himmel stimmt mich immer ein bisschen traurig.
The gray sky always makes me a little sad.
Compare with
stimmen vs passen
to fit / suit / pass
'stimmen' and 'passen' can both express that something is okay. 'Stimmen' is used when information is correct or corresponds to the truth. 'Passen' is used when something is suitable for a situation, an appointment, a person, or a plan. They can be confused because in both cases you often say: 'Das ist okay' (that's okay). But 'Die Zahl stimmt' means: the number is correct. 'Der Termin passt' means: the appointment works/is suitable.
stimmen
Die Adresse auf dem Brief stimmt nicht.
The address on the letter is not correct.
passen
Der Termin am Freitag passt mir sehr gut.
The appointment on Friday works very well for me.
In real life
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