01
treten
to step
To put a foot on something or move it in a certain direction.
example
Vorsicht, tritt nicht in die Pfütze!
Careful, don't step in the puddle!
treten
to step / kick
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Auxiliary verb: sein or haben
The perfect tense of 'treten' (to step/kick) is formed with 'sein' when it describes movement to a place. It is formed with 'haben' when it describes an action or a kick without a change of location.
EXAMPLE
Er ist mir aus Versehen auf den Fuß getreten.
He accidentally stepped on my foot.
Typical prepositions
When 'treten' (to step) means movement, it is usually followed by a preposition with the accusative that indicates direction. Common prepositions are 'in' (into), 'auf' (onto), 'an' (to/up to), or 'vor' (in front of).
EXAMPLE
Der Redner trat ans Pult.
The speaker stepped up to the lectern.
Accusative or preposition
In the meaning 'stoßen' (to hit/bump), 'treten' (to kick) can either have a direct accusative object or be used with the preposition 'gegen' + accusative (against).
EXAMPLE
Er hat den Ball mit voller Kraft getreten.
He kicked the ball with full force.
Fixed expression
The phrase 'in Kraft treten' (to come into force) is a fixed unit and is used in legal language. The subject is always a law, regulation, or rule.
EXAMPLE
Die neue Datenschutzverordnung ist letztes Jahr in Kraft getreten.
The new data protection regulation came into force last year.
Dative construction
In the idiom 'jemandem zu nahe treten' (to offend someone), the person whose feelings are hurt is always in the dative. The expression indicates that someone has unintentionally offended someone.
EXAMPLE
Entschuldigung, ich wollte Ihnen mit dieser Frage nicht zu nahe treten.
Sorry, I didn't mean to offend you with this question.
Sentence structure like a separable verb
In the expression 'zutage treten' (to come to light), 'zutage' behaves like a separable prefix. In a main clause it stands at the end; in a subordinate clause it stands together with the verb.
EXAMPLE
Erst nach Jahren traten die wahren Motive zutage.
Only after years did the true motives come to light.
Figurative meaning
The expression 'auf der Stelle treten' (to make no progress) is often used figuratively. It means that you are not making progress in a situation or on a project.
EXAMPLE
Wir diskutieren seit Stunden, aber treten bei diesem Thema auf der Stelle.
We have been discussing for hours, but we are making no progress on this topic.
Compare with
treten vs gelten
to apply / be valid
'gelten' and 'in Kraft treten' both have to do with rules, laws, or regulations. 'gelten' describes that a rule is already valid or in effect. 'in Kraft treten' describes the moment from which a rule becomes valid. Learners may therefore confuse the words when talking about laws. Memory tip: A rule 'tritt an einem bestimmten Tag in Kraft' (comes into force on a certain day); after that, it 'gilt' (is valid / applies).
treten
Das neue Gesetz tritt am ersten Januar in Kraft.
The new law comes into force on January first.
gelten
Ab morgen gelten im Büro neue Arbeitszeiten.
Starting tomorrow, new working hours apply in the office.
In real life
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