01
übersetzen
to translate
To transfer a text or spoken words from one language into another.
example
Sie übersetzt hauptberuflich Romane aus dem Englischen ins Deutsche.
She translates novels from English into German as her main job.
übersetzen
to translate
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Inseparable verb
The verb 'übersetzen' is inseparable in the meanings given here. The prefix 'über-' is not stressed and always stays attached to the verb. The past participle is 'übersetzt' (without 'ge-').
EXAMPLE
Er übersetzt das Buch ins Spanische.
He translates the book into Spanish.
Context clue
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'übersetzen' from context. If it is about languages, texts, or conversations, it means transferring from one language into another. In connection with technology, engines, or bicycles, it is about changing a rotational speed.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du mir diesen Satz übersetzen?
Can you translate this sentence for me?
Sentence structure with prepositions
When talking about languages, use the fixed structure: 'etwas aus [Ausgangssprache] in [Zielsprache] übersetzen' (to translate something from [source language] into [target language]). The prepositions 'aus' and 'in' are essential here.
EXAMPLE
Ich übersetze einen Brief aus dem Französischen ins Deutsche.
I am translating a letter from French into German.
Compare with
übersetzen vs übertragen
to transmit / transfer
'übertragen' and 'übersetzen' can both have to do with putting a text into another form. However, 'übersetzen' is used only when different languages are involved. 'übertragen' is more general: a text can, for example, be put from a recording into writing or into another written form. Learners may confuse the words because when translating, you can also say that you are transferring something into another language. In everyday use, however, the distinction is clear: for languages, people usually say 'übersetzen'.
übersetzen
Ich übersetze den Brief morgen vom Deutschen ins Spanische.
I will translate the letter from German into Spanish tomorrow.
übertragen
Die Sekretärin überträgt das Interview aus der Aufnahme in ein Textdokument.
The secretary transcribes the interview from the recording into a text document.
In real life
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