zählen
to count
To determine the number of things or people by counting them.
EXAMPLE
Bitte zähle, wie viele Stühle im Raum stehen.
Please count how many chairs are in the room.
zählen
to count
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Meanings
zählen zu
to count among
To belong to a particular group or category; to be regarded as part of something.
EXAMPLE
Dieses Restaurant zählt zu den besten der Stadt.
This restaurant counts among the best in the city.
zählen
to count
To be important; to be valid or play a role.
EXAMPLE
Bei dieser Entscheidung zählt jede Stimme.
Every vote counts in this decision.
zählen auf
to count on
To rely on someone or something; to have trust in someone or something.
EXAMPLE
Ich zähle auf deine Unterstützung bei diesem Projekt.
I'm counting on your support with this project.
zählen
to count
To say the numbers in the correct order.
EXAMPLE
Das Kind kann schon fehlerfrei bis 100 zählen.
The child can already count to 100 without mistakes.
Usage tips
Fixed preposition 'zu'
In the meaning 'dazugehören' (to belong), 'zählen' (to count) is always used with the preposition 'zu' and the dative. The structure is: subject + zählt + zu + dative object.
EXAMPLE
Er zählt zu den wichtigsten Autoren seiner Generation.
He counts among the most important authors of his generation.
Fixed preposition 'auf'
When 'zählen' means 'sich verlassen' (to rely on), it is always used with the preposition 'auf' and the accusative. The structure is: subject + zählt + auf + accusative object.
EXAMPLE
Kann ich bei der Party auf dich zählen?
Can I count on you at the party?
Use without an object
In the meaning 'wichtig sein' (to be important) or 'gültig sein' (to be valid), 'zählen' (to count) is often used without an object. The subject is then the thing that is important.
EXAMPLE
In diesem Spiel zählt nur der Sieg.
In this game, only victory counts.
Use with the accusative
When you determine the number of something, this 'something' is the direct object in the accusative. The structure is: subject + zählt + accusative object.
EXAMPLE
Der Kassierer zählte das Geld in der Kasse.
The cashier counted the money in the register.
Saying a number sequence
When it is about saying the numbers in the correct order, 'zählen' (to count) is often used with the preposition 'bis' (to/up to) to indicate the end of the number sequence.
EXAMPLE
Meine Nichte kann schon bis zwanzig zählen.
My niece can already count to twenty.
Compare with
zählen vs gehören
to belong
Gehören zu and zählen zu both express belonging. Gehören zu generally means that someone or something is part of a group. Zählen zu places greater emphasis on classifying someone or something as part of a particular group or category.
zählen
Mara zählt zu den erfahrensten Mitgliedern des Organisationsteams.
Mara is among the most experienced members of the organizing team.
gehören
Mara gehört zum Organisationsteam des Festivals.
Mara is part of the festival's organizing team.
In real life
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