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 sign
Both verbs refer to putting your signature on a document. „Unterschreiben“ is the neutral choice in everyday language, while „unterzeichnen“ usually sounds more formal or official. „Unterschreiben“ works well for an ordinary contract; „unterzeichnen“ is especially suitable for official documents, but it is not required.
Die Vertreter unterzeichnen den Vertrag morgen bei einer offiziellen Zeremonie.
The representatives will sign the contract at an official ceremony tomorrow.
Wir unterschreiben den Vertrag morgen im Büro.
We will sign the contract at the office tomorrow.
