to forward
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to forward
To transmit received information, a message, or an object to another person or office.
Könnten Sie meine Anfrage bitte an die zuständige Abteilung weiterleiten?
Could you please forward my inquiry to the department responsible?
to conduct
To transmit or transport physical quantities such as heat, electricity, or signals from one place to another.
Kupferkabel leiten elektrische Impulse sehr effizient weiter.
Copper cables conduct electrical impulses very efficiently.
'Weiterleiten' (to forward) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'weiter' comes at the end of the sentence. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Ich leite die Information sofort an Sie weiter.
I will forward the information to you immediately.
The verb is made up of 'weiter' (further/on) and 'leiten' (to lead/conduct). 'Leiten' means to guide or transport. The prefix 'weiter' indicates the direction: from one point to the next.
Das Rohr leitet das Wasser weiter in den Garten.
The pipe carries the water on into the garden.
If you want to name the recipient, you use the preposition 'an' followed by the accusative. This structure is very common.
Bitte leiten Sie dieses Dokument an die Personalabteilung weiter.
Please forward this document to the HR department.
You can tell which meaning is intended from the object. If it is information such as 'E-Mail' (email), 'Nachricht' (message), or 'Anruf' (call), it means transmission to a person. With physical terms such as 'Strom' (electricity) or 'Wärme' (heat), it refers to technical transmission.
Ich habe deinen Anruf an meine Kollegin weitergeleitet.
I forwarded your call to my colleague.
In everyday office life, the verb is often used for communication. Typical combinations are: 'eine E-Mail weiterleiten' (to forward an email), 'eine Nachricht weiterleiten' (to forward a message), or 'einen Anruf weiterleiten' (to forward a call).
Kannst du mir die Präsentation von gestern Abend weiterleiten?
Can you forward me the presentation from yesterday evening?
to transmit / transfer
Übertragen refers generally to transporting data or signals between two points. Weiterleiten highlights an intermediate station that deliberately sends a received signal on to the next point. Use übertragen for direct transmission, and weiterleiten for this intermediate step.
Der Router empfängt das Signal und leitet es an die Zentrale weiter.
The router receives the signal and forwards it to the control center.
Der Sensor überträgt das Signal direkt an die Zentrale.
The sensor transmits the signal directly to the control center.
