01
umbenennen
to rename
To give a person, place, thing, or file a new name.
example
Die Stadt hat beschlossen, den Platz nach einer berühmten Künstlerin umzubenennen.
The city decided to rename the square after a famous artist.
umbenennen
to rename
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Meanings
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Umbenennen' (to rename) is a separable verb. The prefix 'um-' goes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Ich benenne die Datei jetzt um.
I am renaming the file now.
Word structure
The verb consists of the prefix 'um-', which here indicates a change, and the verb 'benennen' (to name). So the meaning is literally to 'name something anew'.
EXAMPLE
Nach der Renovierung wurde das Hotel umbenannt.
After the renovation, the hotel was renamed.
Sentence structure with 'in'
When you state the new name, use the structure 'etwas (Akkusativ) in etwas (Akkusativ) umbenennen' (to rename something as/to something). Both objects are in the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Die Firma benennt ihr Produkt in „NovaPro“ um.
The company is renaming its product 'NovaPro'.
Typical objects
Places such as a street or square are often renamed. In a digital context, a file or folder is often renamed.
EXAMPLE
Können Sie mir zeigen, wie man einen Ordner auf dem Computer umbenennt?
Can you show me how to rename a folder on the computer?
Compare with
umbenennen vs nennen
to call / name
'nennen' and 'umbenennen' both have to do with names. You use 'nennen' when someone or something is given a name or is referred to that way. You use 'umbenennen' only when there is already a name and that name is changed. Learners may confuse the words because both connect an object with a name. The simple rule is: 'nennen' is about a name, while 'umbenennen' is about a new name replacing the old one.
umbenennen
Lisa benennt die Datei um, weil der alte Name zu unklar war.
Lisa is renaming the file because the old name was too unclear.
nennen
Wir nennen unseren neuen Hund Bruno.
We are naming our new dog Bruno.
In real life
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