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A1 verb #2,500 le plus courant 6 min de lecture

rechnen

At the A1 level, 'rechnen' is primarily about basic math. You learn it in the context of school or simple daily tasks. You should know how to conjugate it in the present tense: 'ich rechne', 'du rechnest', 'er rechnet'. You use it to say things like 'I am doing math' or 'He can calculate well'. It is a regular verb, but notice the extra 'e' in 'rechnest' and 'rechnet' to help with pronunciation. At this stage, don't worry about complex prepositions; just focus on the action of working with numbers. For example, 'Eins plus eins ist zwei. Ich rechne.' This level is about the literal meaning of arithmetic.
At A2, you start to see 'rechnen' in more varied contexts. You might encounter the perfect tense: 'Ich habe viel gerechnet.' You also begin to see the word 'der Rechner' (computer) or 'der Taschenrechner' (calculator). You might start using it with simple objects, like 'die Aufgaben rechnen' (to do the math problems). You also learn that it's a 'weak' verb, so its past forms are predictable. You might hear it in the context of shopping or basic planning. The focus is still mostly on numbers, but the vocabulary around it (plus, minus, mal, geteilt durch) starts to expand.
At the B1 level, the most important development is learning the prepositional phrase 'rechnen mit' (+ Dative). This is a major step because it moves the verb from literal math to the abstract concept of 'expecting'. You will use it to talk about the weather ('Ich rechne mit Regen'), plans ('Wir rechnen mit vielen Gästen'), or consequences. You also learn the reflexive 'sich verrechnen' (to miscalculate), which is very common in daily life. You start to distinguish between 'rechnen' and its prefix versions like 'ausrechnen' (to figure out a result).
At B2, you use 'rechnen' in professional and argumentative contexts. You learn 'sich rechnen', which means 'to be worth it' or 'to be profitable' (e.g., 'Diese Investition rechnet sich nicht'). You also encounter the more formal 'rechnen auf' (+ Accusative) to mean 'counting on someone'. You are expected to use the verb in the passive voice or with 'zu' constructions, such as 'Es ist damit zu rechnen, dass...' (It is to be expected that...). Your understanding of the word now includes financial planning and logical forecasting in business or academic settings.
At the C1 level, you use 'rechnen' with high precision. You understand the subtle differences between 'berechnen', 'ausrechnen', 'kalkulieren', and 'anrechnen'. You can use the verb in complex idiomatic expressions and in the subjunctive (Konjunktiv) to discuss hypothetical scenarios. You might use it in social commentary or political analysis: 'Man muss mit einem Umschwung der öffentlichen Meinung rechnen.' You also recognize it in higher literature or specialized technical texts where it might refer to 'computing' in a philosophical or highly technical sense.
At C2, 'rechnen' is a tool for nuanced expression. You understand its etymological roots and how it relates to 'Recht' (right/law) and 'richten' (to judge/direct). You can use it in highly abstract ways, such as 'mit allem rechnen' to imply a stoic or prepared worldview. You are comfortable with all its prefix variations and can use them interchangeably to create specific rhetorical effects. You understand the nuances of 'rechnerisch' (mathematically speaking) versus 'kalkuliert' (calculated/deliberate). Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker, including the use of regional or slightly archaic variations if the context demands.
Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

rechnen en 30 secondes

  • Rechnen means to calculate math problems or to expect something based on logic.
  • It is a regular weak verb: rechnen, rechnete, hat gerechnet.
  • Use 'mit' for expectations (rechnen mit Regen) and 'auf' for reliance (rechnen auf dich).
  • The reflexive 'sich rechnen' is vital for business, meaning 'to be profitable'.

The German verb rechnen is a foundational pillar of the language, primarily used to describe the act of performing mathematical operations or logical calculations. At its most basic level, it refers to arithmetic: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. However, its semantic range extends far beyond the classroom or the calculator. In a broader sense, rechnen involves the mental process of evaluating data, predicting outcomes, and assessing probabilities. Whether you are a student solving an equation or a business person forecasting next year's revenue, you are 'rechnat'.

Arithmetic Context
The literal process of working with numbers (e.g., 2 + 2 = 4).
Expectation Context
Used with the preposition 'mit' to indicate expecting or anticipating something.
Reliance Context
Used with 'auf' to mean counting on or relying on someone or something.

"Kinder lernen in der ersten Klasse, wie man richtig rechnet."

Translation: Children learn how to calculate correctly in first grade.

In the German mindset, rechnen implies a degree of precision and logic. It is not just 'thinking' (denken), but thinking with a structured, often numerical, methodology. This precision is why the word is also the root for 'der Rechner' (the computer/calculator). When you use this verb, you are signaling a process of derivation—arriving at a conclusion based on existing facts or figures. It is a weak verb, meaning its conjugation is regular, making it accessible for beginners while remaining indispensable for advanced speakers discussing economics, physics, or strategy.

"Ich rechne fest mit deiner Hilfe bei diesem Projekt."

"Kannst du im Kopf rechnen, oder brauchst du ein Handy?"

Abstract Usage
Using logic to foresee a result without specific numbers.

"Wir müssen mit dem Schlimmsten rechnen."

"Das rechnet sich am Ende nicht für uns."

Reflexive Usage
'Sich rechnen' means to be worth it or to be profitable.

Using rechnen effectively requires understanding its three primary grammatical structures. Each structure changes the meaning significantly, moving from pure math to social expectations. Mastery of these patterns allows a learner to transition from A1 basic skills to B2/C1 nuanced communication.

1. Intransitive Use (Pure Math)

When used alone, it means to do math. "Er kann gut rechnen." (He is good at math). This is the most common use for beginners. You don't need an object here; the action itself is the focus.

2. Rechnen mit + Dative (Expectation)

This is a high-frequency phrase. It means 'to expect' or 'to count on' an event happening. "Wir rechnen mit Regen." (We are expecting rain). Note that the object following 'mit' must be in the dative case. This is used for both positive and negative expectations.

3. Rechnen auf + Accusative (Reliance)

This is slightly more formal and means to rely on someone or something. "Ich rechne auf dich." (I'm counting on you). It implies a level of trust and dependency. It is less common than 'zählen auf' but still vital for sophisticated German.

4. Reflexive: Sich rechnen (Profitability)

In business contexts, you will hear "Das rechnet sich." This means 'that pays off' or 'that is profitable'. It suggests that after all calculations are done, the result is positive. If a deal is bad, you say, "Das rechnet sich nicht."

Grammar Alert:

Remember that 'rechnen' is a regular verb. Present: ich rechne, du rechnest, er/sie/es rechnet. Perfect: hat gerechnet. Preterite: rechnete.

You will encounter rechnen in a variety of everyday and specialized environments. Its versatility makes it a 'workhorse' verb in the German language. Here are the most common settings where the word appears:

  • In Schools: Teachers will constantly use it during 'Matheunterricht' (math class). You'll hear: "Rechnet bitte die Aufgaben auf Seite 10."
  • In Business Meetings: Professionals use it to discuss forecasts. "Wir rechnen im nächsten Quartal mit einem Zuwachs von 5%." (We expect a 5% increase next quarter).
  • In Weather Forecasts: Meteorologists use it to predict conditions. "Heute ist mit Gewittern zu rechnen." (Thunderstorms are to be expected today).
  • In Daily Conversations: When discussing plans or reliability. "Kann ich mit dir rechnen?" (Can I count on you/your participation?).
  • At the Store: When someone is checking their change or total. "Moment, ich muss kurz nachrechnen." (Wait, I need to double-check the calculation).

The word also appears in the names of technology. A computer is 'der Rechner', and a calculator is 'der Taschenrechner'. This reinforces the connection between the verb and the mechanical/digital processing of data. In news reports, you'll often hear the passive-like construction "Es ist damit zu rechnen, dass..." (It is to be expected that...), which is a standard way to introduce a likely future scenario.

Even though rechnen is a regular verb, learners often stumble over its prepositions and its distinction from similar verbs. Avoiding these five common pitfalls will make your German sound much more natural.

  1. Confusing 'rechnen' with 'zählen': While both can mean 'to count', zählen is for the sequence (1, 2, 3...), while rechnen is for the operation (1 + 1 = 2). Don't say "Ich rechne die Äpfel" if you are just counting how many there are; say "Ich zähle die Äpfel".
  2. Wrong Preposition with 'Expect': Many English speakers try to use 'erwarten' (to expect) in every context. While 'erwarten' is fine, 'rechnen mit' is much more common for logical expectations. If you use 'rechnen' without 'mit', you are just doing math.
  3. Dative vs. Accusative: Remember: rechnen MIT takes the Dative. rechnen AUF takes the Accusative. Mixing these up is a classic B1-level error.
  4. The 'e' in Conjugation: Because the stem ends in '-n' preceded by a consonant cluster ('chn'), an extra 'e' is added for phonetic ease in certain forms: du rechnest, er rechnet. Forgetting this 'e' makes the word hard to pronounce and is grammatically incorrect.
  5. Using 'rechnen' for 'to pay': Beginners sometimes confuse 'rechnen' with 'bezahlen' (to pay) or 'die Rechnung' (the bill). While they share a root, you cannot 'rechnen' a bill; you 'bezahlen' it. You might 'nachrechnen' (re-calculate) the bill to make sure it's right, though!

To truly master rechnen, you must understand its 'family' and its 'neighbors'. German is famous for its prefix verbs, and 'rechnen' has several that are used daily.

  • Ausrechnen: To calculate the final result of a specific problem. "Ich muss das Ergebnis noch ausrechnen."
  • Berechnen: Often used in business to mean 'to charge' or 'to calculate' a price/value. "Wir berechnen Ihnen keine Versandkosten." (We won't charge you shipping).
  • Verrechnen: This has two meanings: to miscalculate (reflexive: sich verrechnen) or to offset/settle accounts.
  • Anrechnen: To give credit for something (like previous studies or a discount). "Ihre Praktika werden auf das Studium angerechnet."
  • Schätzen: To estimate. Use this when you don't have exact numbers.
  • Kalkulieren: A loanword from Latin/French, used mostly in professional or financial contexts to mean 'to plan/calculate' costs.

While rechnen is the general term, choosing ausrechnen implies you are finishing a task, and berechnen implies a more formal or professional calculation. Understanding these nuances is the key to moving from intermediate to advanced German.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

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Informel

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Argot

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Guide de prononciation

Rime avec
zeichnen bezeichnen

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

1

Ich rechne eins plus eins.

I calculate one plus one.

Present tense, 1st person singular.

2

Kannst du gut rechnen?

Can you calculate well?

Question form with modal verb 'können'.

3

Wir rechnen in der Schule.

We calculate in school.

Present tense, 1st person plural.

4

Er rechnet sehr schnell.

He calculates very fast.

Note the 'e' in 'rechnet'.

5

Sie rechnet die Hausaufgaben.

She is doing the math homework.

Transitive use with an object.

6

Das Kind lernt rechnen.

The child is learning to calculate.

Verb used as an infinitive object.

7

Ich brauche Hilfe beim Rechnen.

I need help with calculating.

Nominalized verb 'das Rechnen'.

8

Rechnest du das?

Are you calculating that?

2nd person singular question.

1

Ich habe die ganze Nacht gerechnet.

I calculated all night.

Perfect tense with 'haben'.

2

Mein Taschenrechner ist kaputt.

My calculator is broken.

Compound noun: Taschen + Rechner.

3

Wir rechneten früher ohne Computer.

We used to calculate without computers.

Preterite (Präteritum) tense.

4

Er hat sich beim Preis verrechnet.

He miscalculated the price.

Reflexive verb 'sich verrechnen'.

5

Kannst du das bitte nachrechnen?

Can you please double-check the calculation?

Prefix verb 'nachrechnen'.

6

Die Schülerin rechnet an der Tafel.

The student is calculating at the blackboard.

Prepositional phrase 'an der Tafel'.

7

Das ist einfach zu rechnen.

That is easy to calculate.

Infinitive with 'zu'.

8

Wie viel macht das? Ich rechne kurz.

How much is that? I'll calculate quickly.

Short future intent in present tense.

1

Ich rechne fest mit deiner Hilfe.

I am firmly counting on your help.

rechnen mit + Dative.

2

Wir rechnen heute mit viel Regen.

We are expecting a lot of rain today.

rechnen mit + Dative (expectation).

3

Hast du mit diesem Problem gerechnet?

Did you expect this problem?

Perfect tense with prepositional object.

4

Man muss mit Verspätungen rechnen.

One must expect delays.

Impersonal 'man' + modal verb.

5

Ich habe die Kosten genau ausgerechnet.

I have calculated the costs exactly.

Prefix verb 'ausrechnen'.

6

Rechne nicht mit einer schnellen Antwort.

Don't expect a quick answer.

Imperative with preposition.

7

Er rechnet damit, dass er gewinnt.

He expects that he will win.

Pronominal adverb 'damit' + subordinate clause.

8

Wir müssen die Mehrwertsteuer dazurechnen.

We have to add the VAT to the calculation.

Prefix verb 'dazurechnen'.

1

Diese Solaranlage rechnet sich erst nach zehn Jahren.

This solar system only pays off after ten years.

Reflexive 'sich rechnen' (to be profitable).

2

Ich rechne auf deine Diskretion.

I am counting on your discretion.

rechnen auf + Accusative.

3

Es ist mit einer Preiserhöhung zu rechnen.

A price increase is to be expected.

Passive-like 'sein + zu + infinitive' construction.

4

Die Firma rechnet die Reisekosten am Monatsende ab.

The company settles the travel expenses at the end of the month.

Prefix verb 'abrechnen'.

5

Das wird dir als Erfolg angerechnet.

That will be credited to you as a success.

Passive voice with 'anrechnen'.

6

Wir haben alle Faktoren in die Kalkulation eingerechnet.

We have included all factors in the calculation.

Prefix verb 'einrechnen'.

7

Rechnerisch ist das Ergebnis korrekt, aber unlogisch.

Mathematically, the result is correct, but illogical.

Adverbial use of 'rechnerisch'.

8

Man kann nicht immer mit dem Besten rechnen.

One cannot always expect the best.

Negated expectation.

1

Angesichts der Krise ist mit harten Maßnahmen zu rechnen.

In view of the crisis, tough measures are to be expected.

Genitive preposition 'angesichts' + 'zu rechnen'.

2

Er rechnet kühl und sachlich.

He calculates coldly and objectively.

Adverbial modifiers describing the manner of calculation.

3

Die Zeitersparnis rechnet sich kaum gegenüber dem Aufwand.

The time saving hardly pays off compared to the effort.

Comparison with 'gegenüber'.

4

Man hatte nicht mit seinem Rücktritt gerechnet.

His resignation had not been expected.

Past perfect (Plusquamperfekt).

5

Das Programm rechnet hochkomplexe Algorithmen.

The program computes highly complex algorithms.

Technical usage for computing.

6

Ich rechne es ihm hoch an, dass er die Wahrheit gesagt hat.

I give him great credit for telling the truth.

Idiomatic 'hoch anrechnen'.

7

Wir müssen die Inflation in unsere Planung einrechnen.

We must factor inflation into our planning.

Modal verb + prefix verb.

8

Die Wahrscheinlichkeit lässt sich kaum exakt berechnen.

The probability can hardly be calculated exactly.

Reflexive 'lässt sich' + infinitive.

1

In dieser philosophischen Abhandlung wird mit festen Größen gerechnet.

In this philosophical treatise, fixed quantities are assumed.

Abstract metaphorical usage.

2

Die kühle Berechnung seines Handelns war erschreckend.

The cold calculation of his actions was frightening.

Nominalization 'die Berechnung'.

3

Es rechnet sich für den Staat, in Bildung zu investieren.

It pays off for the state to invest in education.

Reflexive usage in socio-economic context.

4

Wer nicht mit dem Unmöglichen rechnet, wird es nicht finden.

He who does not expect the impossible will not find it.

Relative clause with 'wer'.

5

Die Kosten-Nutzen-Analyse rechnet sich in diesem Fall nicht.

The cost-benefit analysis does not work out in this case.

Specialized economic terminology.

6

Er ist ein Mensch, der stets mit dem Schlimmsten rechnet.

He is a person who always expects the worst.

Character description using 'rechnen mit'.

7

Das Schicksal lässt sich nicht mit Zahlen rechnen.

Fate cannot be calculated with numbers.

Metaphorical negation.

8

Man muss die historischen Umstände dazurechnen.

One must factor in the historical circumstances.

Abstract application of 'dazurechnen'.

Collocations courantes

gut rechnen
im Kopf rechnen
mit Erfolg rechnen
mit Widerstand rechnen
fest rechnen mit
falsch rechnen
genau rechnen
schriftlich rechnen
mit Verlusten rechnen
sich finanziell rechnen

Phrases Courantes

Mit mir kannst du rechnen.

Das rechnet sich nicht.

Damit habe ich nicht gerechnet.

Rechnen wir mal nach.

Im Kopf rechnen.

Mit dem Schlimmsten rechnen.

Fest mit etwas rechnen.

Auf jemanden rechnen.

Anrechnen lassen.

Abgerechnet wird zum Schluss.

Souvent confondu avec

rechnen vs zählen

rechnen vs bezahlen

rechnen vs schätzen

Expressions idiomatiques

""

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""

""

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""

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Facile à confondre

rechnen vs zählen

To count items in a row (1, 2, 3).

rechnen vs bezahlen

To give money for something.

rechnen vs schätzen

To guess or estimate without exact numbers.

Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

nuance

'Rechnen' is active; 'erwarten' is more passive.

business

Always use 'berechnen' for invoices.

Erreurs courantes

  • Use 'zählen' for counting items, 'rechnen' for math.

  • Expectations use 'mit' + Dative.

  • Don't forget the extra 'e' for pronunciation.

  • You pay (bezahlen) a bill, you don't 'calculate' it as an action of payment.

  • To say something is profitable, use the reflexive 'sich'.

Astuces

The 'e' Rule

Always add an 'e' before the -st and -t endings. This makes 'rechnest' and 'rechnet'. It helps you avoid awkward consonant clusters. Practice saying it slowly to get the rhythm.

Prefix Power

Learn 'ausrechnen' and 'berechnen' together. 'Ausrechnen' is for solving a problem. 'Berechnen' is for charging a fee. Knowing the difference helps in business.

Expectations

Use 'rechnen mit' instead of 'erwarten' for logical guesses. It sounds more like a native speaker. For example, 'Ich rechne mit dir' sounds very committed. It shows you are thinking logically.

Profitability

Use 'Das rechnet sich' to describe a good deal. It's a very common phrase in German offices. It shows you understand the economic value. It's a great way to sound professional.

Context Clues

Listen for 'mit' or 'auf' after the verb. They change the meaning from math to social context. If you hear 'mit', think 'expect'. If you hear 'auf', think 'rely'.

Nominalization

Use 'das Rechnen' to talk about the activity. For example, 'Das Rechnen fällt mir schwer'. This is a common way to use verbs as nouns. It's very useful for describing skills.

The Reckoning

Associate 'rechnen' with the English word 'reckon'. They share a similar meaning of calculating or judging. This makes it easier to remember the abstract meanings. It's a strong mental link.

Precision

Germans value exactness, so 'rechnen' is a respected verb. Being able to 'genau rechnen' is a compliment. It reflects the cultural value of 'Genauigkeit'. Use it when you want to sound precise.

Daily Math

Try to say your daily math in German. 'Zwei plus zwei ist vier, ich rechne'. This builds a fast connection in your brain. It's a simple but effective exercise.

Idiomatic Use

Learn 'hoch anrechnen'. It means to highly appreciate something. 'Ich rechne dir das hoch an' is a very nice thing to say. it shows a high level of German.

Mémorise-le

Origine du mot

Contexte culturel

Math (Rechnen) is a core subject from the first day of school.

The verb is central to the German concept of 'Wirtschaftlichkeit' (economic efficiency).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"Kannst du gut im Kopf rechnen?"

"Rechnest du heute mit Regen?"

"Rechnet sich dein neuer Job für dich?"

"Mit wem in deiner Familie kannst du immer rechnen?"

"Hast du mit diesem Ergebnis gerechnet?"

Sujets d'écriture

Schreibe über eine Situation, in der du dich verrechnet hast.

Mit welchen Ereignissen rechnest du im nächsten Jahr?

Warum ist es wichtig, gut rechnen zu können?

Rechnet sich ein Studium heutzutage noch?

Auf wen kannst du dich in deinem Leben immer verlassen (rechnen)?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Rechnen refers to mathematical operations like addition. Zählen refers to the sequential counting of items. You count apples (zählen), but you calculate the total price (rechnen). Both are essential but used in different contexts. Beginners often confuse them.

You can say 'Ich rechne auf dich' or 'Ich zähle auf dich'. Both are correct and common. 'Zähle auf dich' is slightly more frequent in casual speech. 'Rechne auf dich' sounds a bit more formal. Both imply trust and reliance.

It is a weak verb. This means it follows a regular pattern. The past tense is 'rechnete' and the perfect is 'hat gerechnet'. It does not change its stem vowel. This makes it easier for learners to master.

It means 'to be worth it' or 'to be profitable'. It is used when the result of a calculation is positive. For example, 'Das Auto rechnet sich nicht' means the car costs more than it's worth. It is very common in financial discussions.

It is for easier pronunciation. The stem 'rechn-' ends in a difficult consonant cluster. Adding the 'e' makes it 'rechn-e-st' instead of 'rechnst'. This happens with many German verbs ending in -d, -t, or -n. It is a phonetic rule.

Yes, specifically with 'mit'. 'Wir rechnen mit Regen' means 'We expect rain'. It is a standard way to express weather forecasts. It implies that based on current data, rain is likely. It sounds very natural to native speakers.

It is a common German word for 'computer'. While 'Computer' is also used, 'Rechner' is very frequent. It literally means 'the calculator' or 'the thing that calculates'. In technical contexts, you will see it often.

Use the reflexive verb 'sich verrechnen'. For example, 'Ich habe mich verrechnet' means 'I made a mistake in my math'. It is used for both small errors and large financial mistakes. It is a very useful prefix verb.

It means to settle an account or to invoice. In a restaurant, the waiter might say 'Sollen wir abrechnen?'. It can also mean 'to get even' with someone in a metaphorical sense. It is a versatile prefix verb.

Yes, many! For example, 'Eine Rechnung ohne den Wirt machen' means to make plans without considering the main factor. 'Abgerechnet wird zum Schluss' means 'It's not over until it's over'. These idioms are used frequently in daily life.

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