01
versehen mit
to provide with
To equip or furnish something or someone with something.
example
Das neue Modell ist mit zahlreichen Sicherheitsfunktionen versehen.
The new model is provided with numerous safety features.
versehen
to provide / to be mistaken
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Versehen' (to provide / to be mistaken) is an inseparable verb that comes from the stem 'sehen' (to see). The prefix 'ver-' here indicates either a mistake ('sich versehen' = to be mistaken) or the result of an action ('etwas mit etwas versehen' = to provide something with something).
EXAMPLE
Ich habe mich beim Datum versehen, das Treffen ist erst morgen.
I was mistaken about the date; the meeting is not until tomorrow.
Fixed preposition
In the meaning 'ausstatten' (to equip), 'versehen' is always used with the preposition 'mit' and the dative. The structure is: something is provided with something (dative).
EXAMPLE
Alle Dokumente müssen mit einer Unterschrift versehen sein.
All documents must be provided with a signature.
Reflexive use
When 'versehen' is used reflexively ('sich versehen'), it always means 'to make a mistake' or 'to be mistaken'. It is often followed by a preposition such as 'in' or 'bei' to name the area of the mistake.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe mich in der Uhrzeit versehen und war eine Stunde zu früh da.
I was mistaken about the time and was there an hour too early.
Register: Formal
The meaning 'to perform a duty or hold an office' is very formal and is used mainly in official or administrative language. In normal everyday life, you almost never hear this use.
EXAMPLE
Der Richter versieht sein Amt seit über zwanzig Jahren.
The judge has held his office for over twenty years.
Compare with
versehen vs erfüllen
to fulfill
'erfüllen' and 'versehen' can both have to do with a task or duty. 'erfüllen' is used when you do something that is expected, desired, or required, for example a duty, an assignment, or a wish. In this related sense, 'versehen' means that someone performs an office, a service, or a task. This use of 'versehen' is more formal and less common in everyday language. The words can be confused because both fit with responsibility. Usually, however, 'eine Aufgabe erfüllen' (to carry out a task) sounds more natural; 'ein Amt versehen' (to hold/perform an office) sounds more like administrative or official language.
versehen
Herr Kaya versieht seit Mai den Dienst am Empfang.
Mr. Kaya has been performing reception duty since May.
erfüllen
Sie erfüllt ihre Aufgaben im Projekt sehr zuverlässig.
She carries out her tasks in the project very reliably.
In real life
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