zusammenfassen
to summarize
To present the most important information from a text, speech, or event in brief form.
EXAMPLE
Können Sie die Ergebnisse der Studie bitte kurz zusammenfassen?
Could you please briefly summarize the results of the study?
zusammenfassen
to summarize / group
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Meanings
zusammenfassen
to group
To combine several individual things or people into a group or unit.
EXAMPLE
Der Lehrer fasste die Schüler für die Projektarbeit in Dreiergruppen zusammen.
The teacher grouped the students into groups of three for the project work.
Usage tips
Word structure
This verb is made up of 'zusammen' (together) and 'fassen' (to grasp). 'Fassen' can mean 'greifen' (to grasp). So 'zusammenfassen' literally means 'to grasp together'—either you gather the most important ideas together (summarize), or you combine people into a group (group).
EXAMPLE
Er fasste die Kernaussagen des Artikels in drei Sätzen zusammen.
He summarized the key statements of the article in three sentences.
Separable verb
'Zusammenfassen' (to summarize / group) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'zusammen' (together) goes at the end. In a subordinate clause and in the infinitive with 'zu', the parts stay together.
EXAMPLE
Der Sprecher fasst die Diskussion am Ende zusammen.
The speaker summarizes the discussion at the end.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'summarize', the verb is often combined with words like 'Ergebnisse' (results), 'Punkte' (points), 'Inhalt' (content), or 'Text' (text). A very common fixed phrase is 'Zusammenfassend lässt sich sagen, dass ...' (In summary, it can be said that ...).
EXAMPLE
Fassen Sie bitte die wichtigsten Punkte der Besprechung zusammen.
Please summarize the most important points of the meeting.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the object of the sentence. If it is about information, ideas, or texts, 'zusammenfassen' (to summarize / group) is meant in the sense of 'summarize'. If it is about people or concrete objects, it means 'to combine into a group'.
EXAMPLE
Ich fasse die Argumente für dich zusammen.
I'll summarize the arguments for you.
Compare with
zusammenfassen vs zusammenstellen
to compile / assemble
Both verbs can refer to information from a text. „Zusammenfassen“ means briefly presenting the most important content. „Zusammenstellen“ means selecting relevant information and combining it into a list or a whole.
zusammenfassen
Für den Vortrag fasse ich den Artikel in fünf kurzen Sätzen zusammen.
For the presentation, I summarize the article in five short sentences.
zusammenstellen
Für den Vortrag stelle ich die wichtigsten Angaben aus dem Artikel zusammen.
For the presentation, I compile the most important details from the article.
In real life
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