to reproduce / recount / return
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to recount
To report or tell something one has heard, read, or experienced, using one's own words or someone else's words.
Der Sprecher gab die Ergebnisse der Studie korrekt wieder.
The speaker recounted the results of the study correctly.
to reproduce
To reproduce or represent something acoustically or visually.
Diese Lautsprecher geben den Klang sehr natürlich wieder.
These speakers reproduce the sound very naturally.
to return
To give something back to someone that you borrowed or received from them.
Kannst du mir bitte den Stift wiedergeben, den ich dir geliehen habe?
Can you please return the pen I lent you?
'Wiedergeben' is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'wieder' goes at the end of the sentence. In subordinate clauses and infinitive constructions, the verb stays together.
Der Zeuge gab das Gespräch Wort für Wort wieder.
The witness recounted the conversation word for word.
You can recognize the meaning from the object: If it is information (opinion, content), it means 'berichten' (to report/recount). If it is about media (music, image), it means 'reproduzieren' (to reproduce). With a concrete object, it means 'zurückgeben' (to return).
Kannst du den Inhalt des Artikels mit eigenen Worten wiedergeben?
Can you recount the content of the article in your own words?
In the meaning 'zurückgeben' (to return), the person who gets something back is expressed with the dative. The structure is: jemandem (dative) etwas (accusative) wiedergeben.
Er hat mir das geliehene Geld pünktlich wiedergegeben.
He returned the borrowed money to me on time.
When it is about reporting information, typical combinations are: 'den Inhalt wiedergeben' (to recount the content), 'eine Meinung wiedergeben' (to convey an opinion), 'etwas sinngemäß wiedergeben' (to paraphrase something), or 'etwas wörtlich wiedergeben' (to quote something word for word).
Der Journalist gab die Aussage des Politikers nur sinngemäß wieder.
The journalist only paraphrased the politician's statement.
In the meaning 'reproduzieren' (to reproduce), the subject is often a technical device. Typical subjects are 'der Lautsprecher' (the speaker), 'der Kopfhörer' (the headphones), 'der Bildschirm' (the screen), or 'der Player' (the player).
Diese Kopfhörer geben die Bässe sehr kraftvoll wieder.
These headphones reproduce the bass very powerfully.
to tell
Both words can be used to communicate an experience. „Erzählen“ is more likely to turn it into a story of your own, while „wiedergeben“ places more emphasis on reproducing the content of something heard, read, or experienced as accurately as possible. „Wiedergeben“ is therefore more suitable for neutral reproduction, while „erzählen“ is used for a personal account.
Im Unterricht gab Mia den Inhalt des gelesenen Berichts mit eigenen Worten wieder.
In class, Mia recounted the content of the report she had read in her own words.
Am Abend erzählte Mia ihrer Familie die Geschichte von ihrem Ausflug.
In the evening, Mia told her family the story of her outing.
