to sign
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to sign
To add one's signature to a document, contract, or certificate in order to make it valid or to express one's agreement. Synonymous with 'unterschreiben' (to sign).
Die beiden Staatschefs haben den Friedensvertrag feierlich unterzeichnet.
The two heads of state ceremonially signed the peace treaty.
The word is made up of 'unter' (under) and 'zeichnen' (to draw / to mark). The meaning is literal: you place your signature (mark) under a document to make it valid.
Bitte unterzeichnen Sie den Vertrag auf der letzten Seite.
Please sign the contract on the last page.
'Unterzeichnen' (to sign) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'unter-' is never separated from the verb stem, and the stress is on the second syllable: unter-ZEICH-nen.
Der Autor unterzeichnete die Bücher für seine Fans.
The author signed the books for his fans.
This verb is typically used with official documents. Common combinations are: 'einen Vertrag unterzeichnen' (to sign a contract), 'ein Abkommen unterzeichnen' (to sign an agreement), 'ein Gesetz unterzeichnen' (to sign a law), or 'eine Petition unterzeichnen' (to sign a petition).
Mehr als 10.000 Bürger haben die Petition bereits unterzeichnet.
More than 10,000 citizens have already signed the petition.
'Unterzeichnen' (to sign) is mainly used in formal, official, and legal contexts. It sounds more formal and carries more weight than the more everyday word 'unterschreiben' (to sign).
Die Urkunde wurde vom Notar unterzeichnet.
The certificate was signed by the notary.
to draw / sign
'zeichnen' and 'unterzeichnen' can both mean confirming a document with your signature. In this sense, they are very similar. 'unterzeichnen' is the normal and clear word for contracts, applications, or official letters. 'zeichnen' sounds rather formal in this meaning and occurs especially with official documents. Learners may confuse the words because 'zeichnen' also means making a picture. When it is about a signature, 'unterzeichnen' is usually less ambiguous.
Wir unterzeichnen den Mietvertrag morgen im Büro.
We are signing the rental agreement tomorrow at the office.
Der Geschäftsführer zeichnet den Vertrag noch heute.
The managing director is signing the contract today.