01
wiegen
to weigh
To have a certain weight.
example
Der Koffer darf nicht mehr als 23 Kilogramm wiegen.
The suitcase must not weigh more than 23 kilograms.
wiegen
to weigh
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Meanings
01 / 05
Usage tips
Strong vs. weak
This verb has either a strong or weak conjugation depending on its meaning. In the meaning 'sanft hin und her bewegen' (to move gently back and forth), it is weak (wiegte, gewiegt). In all other meanings (weight, weighing up), it is strong (wog, gewogen).
EXAMPLE
Sie wiegte das Baby sanft in ihren Armen.
She gently rocked the baby in her arms.
Having weight
When 'wiegen' (to weigh) means to have a certain weight, it is used without an accusative object. The sentence follows the pattern: subject + wiegen + weight information.
EXAMPLE
Ich wiege ungefähr 70 Kilogramm.
I weigh about 70 kilograms.
Measuring weight
When 'wiegen' (to weigh) means to determine the weight of something, it needs an accusative object. The sentence follows the pattern: subject + wiegen + object.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du bitte kurz den Koffer wiegen?
Could you quickly weigh the suitcase, please?
Reflexive use
The reflexive form 'sich wiegen' always means 'to move slowly and rhythmically back and forth'. It is often used for things in nature, such as trees or grasses in the wind.
EXAMPLE
Die Palmen wiegten sich im leichten Wind.
The palm trees swayed in the light wind.
Figurative meaning
In a figurative, abstract meaning, 'wiegen' (to weigh) is used for mentally examining arguments or risks. Typical objects are 'Gründe' (reasons), 'Argumente' (arguments), and 'Vor- und Nachteile' (pros and cons).
EXAMPLE
Man muss die Risiken sorgfältig wiegen, bevor man investiert.
You have to weigh the risks carefully before investing.
Compare with
wiegen vs betragen
to amount to / to behave
'betragen' and 'wiegen' can both express a numerical value. 'betragen' is used for sums, values, prices, distances, or numbers. It sounds rather factual and often appears in reports or precise statements. 'wiegen' is used when talking about weight. So you say: 'Das Paket wiegt fünf Kilo' (The package weighs five kilos). You can also say: 'Das Gewicht beträgt fünf Kilo' (The weight is five kilos), but then 'das Gewicht' is the subject, not the package. The risk of confusion arises because both are connected with numbers. Memory tip: an object 'wiegt' (weighs); a value 'beträgt' (amounts to) something.
wiegen
Sarah wiegt den Koffer vor der Reise noch einmal.
Sarah weighs the suitcase once more before the trip.
betragen
Die Kosten für die Reparatur betragen 250 Euro.
The cost of the repair amounts to 250 euros.
In real life
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