01
zuordnen
to assign
To assign something to a person or thing, or make it available to them.
example
Jedem Teilnehmer wurde ein fester Sitzplatz zugeordnet.
Each participant was assigned a fixed seat.
zuordnen
to assign
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Meanings
01 / 03
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Zuordnen' (to assign) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'zu' comes at the end, and in the infinitive with 'zu', it is separated from the stem by 'zu'.
EXAMPLE
Der Lehrer ordnet jedem Schüler eine Aufgabe zu.
The teacher assigns each student a task.
Sentence structure with dative
The verb 'zuordnen' (to assign) is almost always used with a dative object. The thing being assigned is in the accusative, and the person or category it is assigned to is in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Können Sie diese Handschrift einem bestimmten Schüler zuordnen?
Can you attribute this handwriting to a particular student?
Context clues
The dative object often reveals the exact meaning: if it is a person, it is about assigning or allocating (m01). If it is a category like 'Epoche' (era) or 'Gruppe' (group), it is about classifying (m02).
EXAMPLE
Dem neuen Mitarbeiter wurde ein Mentor zugeordnet.
The new employee was assigned a mentor.
Common use
In the meaning 'identifizieren' (to identify), the verb is often negated to express that one cannot recognize or classify something.
EXAMPLE
Ich höre ein Geräusch, kann es aber nicht zuordnen.
I hear a noise, but I can't place it.
Compare with
zuordnen vs verbinden
to connect / to bandage
'verbinden' and 'zuordnen' can both express that you see a connection between things. 'verbinden' is more open: you think of one thing in connection with another or create a mental link. 'zuordnen' is more precise when you assign something to a specific group, category, person, or thing, or place it there. The words are easy to confuse because both create a relationship between two things. If it is only about an association, 'verbinden' fits. If you are systematically sorting something or assigning it to something, 'zuordnen' fits better.
zuordnen
Im Test sollen die Schüler die Wörter den passenden Bildern zuordnen.
In the test, the students are supposed to match the words to the appropriate pictures.
verbinden
Mit diesem Lied verbindet Tom viele Erinnerungen an seine Kindheit.
Tom associates this song with many memories of his childhood.
In real life
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