01
zitieren
to quote
To reproduce the words of another person or a passage of text word for word.
example
In seiner Rede zitierte der Politiker oft aus der Verfassung.
In his speech, the politician often quoted from the constitution.
zitieren
to quote / summon
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Sentence structure with accusative
The verb 'zitieren' (to quote/summon) usually takes an accusative object that indicates what or whom one is quoting or summoning. The source from which something is quoted is often added with the preposition 'aus' (from) and the dative.
EXAMPLE
Er zitierte einen berühmten Dichter.
He quoted a famous poet.
Elevated style
The verb 'zitieren' (to quote/summon) belongs more to written language and formal usage. It is often used in academic papers, journalism, and official speeches.
EXAMPLE
Der Professor zitierte mehrere Studien, um seine These zu stützen.
The professor quoted several studies to support his thesis.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'wörtlich wiedergeben' (to reproduce word for word), 'zitieren' (to quote) is often combined with sources and texts. Typical phrases are 'einen Autor zitieren' (to quote an author), 'aus einem Buch zitieren' (to quote from a book), or 'eine Studie zitieren' (to cite a study).
EXAMPLE
Im Aufsatz müssen Sie die Quellen korrekt zitieren.
In the essay, you must cite the sources correctly.
Context clue: authorities
You can recognize the meaning 'vorladen' (to summon) from the context. It is almost always used together with places like 'Gericht' (court) or 'Behörde' (authority). The person who is supposed to appear is in the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Man hat ihn als Zeugen vor das Gericht zitiert.
He was summoned to court as a witness.
Compare with
zitieren vs bemühen
to strive / to trouble
'zitieren' and 'bemühen' can both occur when you rely on a text, an example, or a quote. 'zitieren' means to reproduce someone else's words word for word. 'etwas bemühen' means more like using an example, comparison, or quote to support your own statement. It does not always have to be word for word. The words can be confused because you can both 'zitieren' and 'bemühen' a quote. 'zitieren' is more precise for the exact wording. 'bemühen' often sounds more formal and describes the function more: you draw on something for explanation or justification.
zitieren
In ihrer Präsentation zitiert Anna einen Satz aus dem Buch.
In her presentation, Anna quotes a sentence from the book.
bemühen
Um seine Meinung zu erklären, bemüht der Redner ein bekanntes Beispiel aus der Geschichte.
To explain his opinion, the speaker invokes a well-known example from history.
In real life
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