to attribute / credit
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to attribute
To assign something to someone or something as a cause, creator, or characteristic. One believes that a certain person or thing is responsible for something or has a certain quality.
Man schreibt diesem Künstler einen großen Einfluss auf die moderne Malerei zu.
This artist is attributed with having a great influence on modern painting.
'Zuschreiben' (to attribute / credit) is a separable verb. The prefix 'zu' comes at the end of the main clause, while in a subordinate clause it remains attached to the verb.
Der Experte schreibt das Bild einem unbekannten Maler zu.
The expert attributes the painting to an unknown painter.
This verb almost always requires a person or thing in the dative to which something is assigned. The typical structure is: subject + zuschreiben + dative object + accusative object.
Man schreibt ihm die Fähigkeit zu, Menschen zu motivieren.
People attribute to him the ability to motivate others.
You can recognize the meaning from the object: If it involves abstract things like influence, qualities, or responsibility, the first meaning is intended. If it involves money, interest, or credit balances, the financial meaning is intended.
Diesem Kraut schreibt man eine heilende Wirkung zu.
This herb is attributed with a healing effect.
to thank
'danken' and 'zuschreiben' can both express that someone or something is important for a result. This is especially true in the form 'etwas jemandem zu danken haben' (to have someone to thank for something). 'Danken' stays closer to gratitude: one owes something positive to a person or thing. 'Zuschreiben' is more neutral and general. You attribute a cause, creator, or quality without necessarily being grateful. 'Zu danken haben' is more natural when a good result is being emphasized. 'Zuschreiben' fits better when you are explaining objectively why something happened or whom something is attributed to.
Die Ärztin schreibt die Kopfschmerzen dem Stress bei der Arbeit zu.
The doctor attributes the headaches to stress at work.
Den schnellen Erfolg hat das Team seiner guten Vorbereitung zu danken.
The team owes its quick success to its good preparation.