01
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
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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 spielen
to play
'eine Rolle spielen' (to play a role) and 'zählen' can both express that something is important. 'eine Rolle spielen' fits especially when something influences a situation, for example time, money, or experience. 'zählen' often sounds more direct and means: this is important, valid, or taken into account. Learners may confuse them because both point to significance. Here, however, 'spielen' is almost always used in the fixed expression 'eine Rolle spielen'.
zählen
Bei der Prüfung zählt vor allem, dass die Antwort klar ist.
In the exam, what counts most is that the answer is clear.
spielen
Für den Termin spielt das Wetter keine große Rolle.
The weather does not play a major role for the appointment.
In real life
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