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to sign
To put one's name by hand at the bottom of a document in order to make it legally valid, give one's consent, or confirm authorship.
Bevor der Vertrag gültig ist, müssen ihn beide Parteien unterschreiben.
Before the contract is valid, both parties must sign it.
The verb is made up of 'unter' (under) and 'schreiben' (to write). The literal meaning is 'to write under something', which describes exactly the action of placing one's name at the end of a document.
Bitte lesen Sie das Dokument sorgfältig, bevor Sie unten unterschreiben.
Please read the document carefully before you sign at the bottom.
'Unterschreiben' is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'unter-' stays attached to the verb in all tenses and sentence positions. The stress is on the stem: unterSCHREIBEN.
Er hat den Mietvertrag gestern unterschrieben.
He signed the rental contract yesterday.
In the literal meaning, 'unterschreiben' is typically used with official documents. Common objects are 'einen Vertrag' (a contract), 'ein Formular' (a form), 'eine Petition' (a petition), or 'einen Antrag' (an application).
Die Bürgerinitiative sammelt Leute, die die Petition unterschreiben.
The citizens' initiative is gathering people who will sign the petition.
The figurative meaning 'zustimmen' (to agree) is often used in the fixed expression 'Das kann ich (so) unterschreiben' (I can fully agree with that). 'Das' refers to a previous statement or opinion.
Deine Analyse der Situation ist perfekt. Das kann ich so unterschreiben.
Your analysis of the situation is perfect. I can fully agree with that.
to lock / to complete
'abschließen' and 'unterschreiben' often occur in the same context, especially with contracts. Even so, they do not mean the same thing. 'Unterschreiben' means to put your own name under a document. 'Einen Vertrag abschließen' means that the contract legally comes into effect. That can include a signature, but the word describes the whole conclusion of the agreement, not just the action with the pen. Learners confuse the words because you often sign a contract in order to conclude it. In short: you sign a document; you conclude a contract.
Am Abend unterschreibt Lisa das Formular für die Versicherung.
In the evening, Lisa signs the insurance form.
Heute schließen wir den Vertrag mit dem neuen Kunden ab.
Today we are concluding the contract with the new client.