verlesen
to read out
To present something written aloud in front of a group of people, often in an official or formal setting.
EXAMPLE
Der Richter wird nun das Urteil verlesen.
The judge will now read out the verdict.
verlesen
to read out / misread / sort
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Meanings
sich verlesen
to misread
To make a mistake while reading by reading or understanding a word or sentence incorrectly.
EXAMPLE
Entschuldigung, ich habe mich verlesen, die Zahl ist 96, nicht 69.
Sorry, I misread it; the number is 96, not 69.
verlesen
to sort
To look through something carefully and sort out unwanted or bad items, for example with fruit, vegetables, or legumes.
EXAMPLE
Vor dem Kochen müssen die Linsen noch verlesen werden.
Before cooking, the lentils still need to be sorted.
Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Verlesen' (to read out / to misread / to sort) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'ver-' stays firmly attached to the verb stem 'lesen' (to read) in all tenses and sentence constructions.
EXAMPLE
Er verlas die Namen der Gewinner.
He read out the names of the winners.
Reflexive for mistakes
In the meaning 'to make a reading error', the verb is always reflexive: 'sich verlesen' (to misread). The reflexive pronoun shows that the mistake lies with the person doing the reading.
EXAMPLE
Oh, Moment, da habe ich mich verlesen. Der Termin ist erst morgen.
Oh, wait, I misread that. The appointment isn't until tomorrow.
Context: formal
The meaning 'to read aloud' is usually used in a formal or official context. Typical objects are a list, minutes, a verdict, or an official letter.
EXAMPLE
Der Notar verlas das Testament vor der versammelten Familie.
The notary read out the will in front of the assembled family.
Context: food
The meaning 'to sort out' almost always refers to foods that are checked before preparation. People typically sort lentils, beans, rice, or berries in order to remove bad pieces or small stones.
EXAMPLE
Meine Oma hat mir beigebracht, die Bohnen vor dem Einweichen sorgfältig zu verlesen.
My grandma taught me to sort the beans carefully before soaking them.
Compare with
verlesen vs vorlesen
to read aloud
Vorlesen and verlesen both mean reading a text aloud for listeners. Vorlesen is the general term. Verlesen is especially suitable for the formal announcement of an official text. At an authority’s office, verlesen therefore usually sounds more appropriate; in ordinary situations, vorlesen is more common.
verlesen
Der Beamte verliest vor den Anwesenden den amtlichen Bescheid.
The official read out the official notice to those present.
vorlesen
Die Lehrerin liest der Klasse den Brief laut vor.
The teacher read the letter aloud to the class.
In real life
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