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
stimmen für/gegen
to vote for/against
To cast one's vote for or against a person, party, or proposal in an election or vote.
EXAMPLE
Die Mehrheit der Abgeordneten stimmte für das neue Gesetz.
The majority of the representatives voted for the new law.
stimmen
to tune
To adjust a musical instrument so that it produces the correct notes.
EXAMPLE
Vor dem Konzert muss der Pianist das Klavier stimmen lassen.
Before the concert, the pianist has to have the piano tuned.
stimmen
to put in a mood
To put someone into a particular mood or emotional state. Often used with an adjective such as 'traurig' (sad), 'fröhlich' (cheerful), or 'nachdenklich' (thoughtful).
EXAMPLE
Die traurige Musik stimmte ihn nachdenklich.
The sad music put him in a thoughtful mood.
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 wählen
to vote / choose / dial
Stimmen and wählen can both express casting a vote for a party in a political election. With stimmen, the side you choose is normally named with für or gegen, while wählen can take the party or person directly as its object. Both forms are correct, but their sentence structures are different.
stimmen
Bei der Wahl stimme ich für diese Partei.
In the election, I am voting for this party.
wählen
Bei der Wahl wähle ich diese Partei.
In the election, I am voting for this party.
In real life
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