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A2 verb #1,500 le plus courant 7 min de lecture

stimmen

Top 1,500

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces stimmen en 30 secondes

Explication stimmen in your Level:

At the A1 level, you will mostly use 'stimmen' in the phrase 'Das stimmt' to say 'That's right' or 'I agree.' It is a very helpful word for basic conversations because it allows you to confirm what someone else is saying without needing a complex sentence. You might also learn 'Stimmt so' for paying in a restaurant. Focus on the present tense: 'Das stimmt' and 'Das stimmt nicht.' You don't need to worry about voting or tuning instruments yet. Just remember it as a way to say 'Correct.'

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At the A2 level, you start to see 'stimmen' in more varied contexts. You learn that it can be used for plural subjects, like 'Die Antworten stimmen.' You also encounter it in questions: 'Stimmt das?' (Is that right?). You might begin to see the past tense 'stimmte' or the perfect 'hat gestimmt' in simple stories. You should also be aware of the phrase 'Stimmt so' in service contexts. The idea of 'harmony' (Die Chemie stimmt) might appear in descriptions of people or groups.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'stimmen' in its voting sense. You will learn the prepositions: 'für jemanden stimmen' (to vote for someone) and 'gegen jemanden stimmen' (to vote against someone). You will also encounter the separable verb 'abstimmen' (to vote/to coordinate). You should understand that 'stimmen' is used for facts, while 'Recht haben' is for people. You'll also start using 'übereinstimmen' to describe how two things match or correspond in more complex discussions.

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At the B2 level, you use 'stimmen' and its derivatives in more formal and abstract ways. You might discuss political systems and 'Stimmrechte' (voting rights). You will use 'einstimmen' (to get someone in the mood) or 'umstimmen' (to change someone's mind). You understand the nuance between 'stimmen' and 'zutreffen' in formal writing. You can also use the verb in musical contexts or technical descriptions of accuracy in data and science without hesitation.

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At the C1 level, you master the idiomatic and nuanced uses of 'stimmen.' You can use it to describe subtle atmospheres or complex alignments of interests. You are familiar with phrases like 'sich auf etwas einstimmen' (to prepare oneself mentally for something). You can use 'bestimmen' (to determine/decide) and other related verbs fluently. Your understanding of the word's etymological link to 'Stimme' (voice) helps you navigate complex legal or philosophical texts about representation and truth.

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At the C2 level, 'stimmen' is a tool for precision. You use it in highly specialized contexts, such as the 'Stimmführung' in music theory or the 'Stimmhaftigkeit' in linguistics. You can debate the philosophical implications of 'Stimmen' as an act of democratic participation. You use the full range of prefix-verbs (überstimmen, unterstimmen, beistimmen) with perfect grammatical accuracy and native-level nuance, recognizing the historical and cultural weight the word carries in German discourse.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

stimmen en 30 secondes

Used to confirm that a statement or fact is correct (Das stimmt).
Used in restaurants to tell the waiter to keep the change (Stimmt so).
Used to describe casting a vote in an election (für/gegen jemanden stimmen).
Used to describe tuning a musical instrument (die Gitarre stimmen).

The German verb stimmen is a versatile and fundamental word that every learner must master early on. At its core, it refers to the state of being correct, accurate, or in agreement with reality. When you say Das stimmt, you are essentially saying 'That is true' or 'That is correct.' This is the most common usage you will encounter in daily conversation, serving as a quick way to confirm information or agree with a statement made by someone else.

Core Meaning: To be correct, accurate, or factual. It describes a situation where the facts align with the statement.

Deine Antwort stimmt genau.

Beyond simple correctness, stimmen branches out into several distinct semantic fields. One of the most important is the act of voting. In a political or formal context, to 'stimmen' means to cast a ballot or express a choice in an election. This is directly related to the noun die Stimme (the voice), as voting is seen as giving your voice to a cause or candidate.

Musical Context: To tune an instrument. When the strings of a guitar are 'in tune', they 'stimmen'.

Ich muss meine Gitarre stimmen.

Furthermore, the word is used to describe an atmosphere or 'vibe.' If the 'Chemie' (chemistry) between two people 'stimmt,' it means they get along well and things feel right. This abstract usage is very common in social descriptions and romantic contexts.

Atmospheric Usage: Refers to the harmony or 'rightness' of a situation, mood, or relationship.

In diesem Team stimmt die Atmosphäre.

Die Zahlen in der Tabelle stimmen nicht.

Using stimmen correctly requires understanding its grammatical behavior in different contexts. As an intransitive verb (one that doesn't take a direct object) in its primary sense of 'being correct,' it is incredibly straightforward. You simply state the subject that is correct, followed by the conjugated form of the verb.

Subject-Verb Agreement: The verb must agree with the thing that is correct. 'Das stimmt' (singular) vs. 'Die Ergebnisse stimmen' (plural).

Ob das stimmt, weiß ich nicht.

When you move into the territory of voting, the verb often requires prepositions. To vote 'for' someone is für jemanden stimmen (accusative), and to vote 'against' someone is gegen jemanden stimmen (accusative). If you are voting 'on' a specific topic, you use über etwas stimmen.

Prepositional Usage: für + Accusative (for), gegen + Accusative (against), über + Accusative (about/on).

Wir stimmen morgen über den Plan ab.

In the context of tuning instruments, the verb becomes transitive. You are 'tuning' something. For example, das Klavier stimmen. Here, the instrument is the direct object in the accusative case. This is a specific technical usage but very common in musical circles.

Negation: To say something is wrong, use 'nicht stimmen'. 'Das stimmt nicht' is the standard way to disagree politely or firmly.

Alles, was er sagt, stimmt nicht.

Die Geige muss neu gestimmt werden.

You will hear stimmen in almost every social interaction in Germany. It is one of the most frequent 'filler' or 'confirmation' words. In a cafe, when the waiter brings the bill and it says 8.50€, and you give them a 10€ note and say 'Stimmt so', you are engaging in a quintessential German cultural practice of tipping by rounding up.

At the Restaurant: Used to indicate that the change is the tip. 'Stimmt so' = Keep the change.

Hier sind 20 Euro, es stimmt so.

In news broadcasts and political discussions, the word appears constantly during election cycles. Phrases like 'Die Bürger stimmen ab' (The citizens are voting) or 'Die Mehrheit stimmte dafür' (The majority voted in favor) are standard journalistic German. It conveys a sense of formal decision-making.

In Politics: Refers to the act of casting a vote or the result of a ballot.

Das Parlament wird heute darüber stimmen.

In academic or professional settings, stimmen is used to verify data. A scientist might say 'Die Hypothese stimmt mit den Daten überein' (The hypothesis agrees with the data). Here, it implies a rigorous match between theory and reality.

Social Harmony: Used to describe if people are getting along or if a plan feels right.

Das Wetter ist toll, die Laune stimmt!

Stimmt es, dass du nach Berlin ziehst?

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make is using stimmen when they should use richtig sein. While both can mean 'to be right,' stimmen is usually used for facts, statements, or situations, whereas richtig sein is often used for people or specific choices. For example, you say 'Das stimmt,' but you say 'Du hast recht' (You are right).

Stimmen vs. Recht haben: Use 'stimmen' for things/facts. Use 'Recht haben' for people being correct in their opinion.

Falsch: Du stimmst. (Correct: Du hast recht.)

Another mistake involves the confusion between stimmen and wählen. Learners often say 'Ich stimme die CDU' when they mean 'I am voting for the CDU.' However, stimmen requires the preposition für. Without the preposition, it sounds like you are trying to 'tune' the political party like a guitar!

Voting Syntax: Correct: Ich stimme FÜR die Partei. Or: Ich wähle die Partei.

Wir stimmen gegen den Vorschlag.

The third common pitfall is the use of stimmen in the context of 'fitting.' While stimmen can mean things are 'right' or 'harmonious,' it doesn't mean a piece of clothing fits your body. For that, you must use passen. Saying 'Die Hose stimmt' would mean the pants are 'correct' (perhaps they are the ones you ordered), but not that they are the right size for you.

Agreement Confusion: Don't use 'stimmen' as a direct translation of 'to agree' (I agree). Use 'zustimmen' + Dative.

Ich stimme dir zu. (Not: Ich stimme dich.)

Das stimmt einfach nicht!

Understanding stimmen becomes easier when you compare it to its synonyms and related terms. Each has a specific nuance that distinguishes it from the others. Let's look at the most common ones.

Zutreffen: More formal than 'stimmen'. It means 'to apply' or 'to be applicable'. Used often in official forms.

Diese Beschreibung trifft auf ihn zu.

Another close relative is wahr sein (to be true). While 'Das stimmt' and 'Das ist wahr' are often interchangeable, 'wahr' is more philosophical or profound, whereas 'stimmen' is more about factual accuracy or situational correctness.

Recht haben: Specifically used for people. 'You are right' = 'Du hast recht'.

Du hast recht, das stimmt.

In the context of voting, wählen is the primary alternative. As mentioned, wählen is the act of choosing (a candidate, a party, or even a menu item), while stimmen is the technical act of casting the vote. You 'wählen' a president, but you 'stimmen für' him.

Harmonieren: Used when things 'stimmen' in an aesthetic or interpersonal sense. They harmonize.

Die Farben stimmen überein.

Das Ergebnis stimmt mit meiner Rechnung überein.

How Formal Is It?

Guide de prononciation

Rime avec

glimmen schwimmen trimmen

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Separable verbs (abstimmen, zustimmen)

Prepositions with Accusative (für, gegen)

Dative objects with 'zustimmen'

Subject-verb agreement

Passive voice (for tuning)

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Exemples par niveau

Das stimmt.

That's right.

Present tense, 3rd person singular.

Stimmt das?

Is that correct?

Question form.

Das stimmt nicht.

That's not right.

Negation with 'nicht'.

Ja, das stimmt genau.

Yes, that's exactly right.

Adverb 'genau' for emphasis.

Stimmt so!

Keep the change!

Idiomatic phrase.

Die Nummer stimmt.

The number is correct.

Subject is 'Die Nummer'.

Stimmt es, dass du kommst?

Is it true that you are coming?

Introductory 'Stimmt es, dass...' clause.

Das stimmt leider nicht.

Unfortunately, that's not right.

Adverb 'leider' for politeness.

Die Antworten in dem Test stimmen.

The answers in the test are correct.

Plural subject 'Die Antworten'.

Stimmen die Termine?

Are the dates/appointments correct?

Plural question.

Bei uns stimmt die Chemie.

The chemistry between us is right.

Idiomatic use for relationships.

Alles stimmte an diesem Abend.

Everything was right that evening.

Präteritum (simple past).

Hat die Rechnung gestimmt?

Was the bill correct?

Perfekt tense.

Ich glaube, das stimmt.

I think that's right.

Verb in a subordinate-like structure.

Die Adresse stimmt nicht mehr.

The address is no longer correct.

Use of 'nicht mehr'.

Stimmt's, wir gehen heute ins Kino?

Right, we're going to the cinema today?

Tag question 'Stimmt's?'.

Für wen wirst du stimmen?

Who will you vote for?

Future tense with 'stimmen für'.

Wir haben gegen den Plan gestimmt.

We voted against the plan.

Perfekt with 'gegen'.

Die Musiker stimmen ihre Instrumente.

The musicians are tuning their instruments.

Transitive use (tuning).

Das stimmt mit meinen Erfahrungen überein.

That matches my experiences.

Separable verb 'übereinstimmen'.

Man muss die Geige vor dem Konzert stimmen.

One must tune the violin before the concert.

Modal verb construction.

Die Mehrheit stimmte für die Reform.

The majority voted for the reform.

Präteritum.

Wir müssen uns noch über den Termin abstimmen.

We still need to coordinate on the date.

Reflexive 'sich abstimmen'.

Es stimmt, dass er den Job gekündigt hat.

It's true that he quit the job.

Factual 'Es stimmt, dass...'.

Das Ergebnis stimmt bis auf die zweite Kommastelle.

The result is correct down to the second decimal place.

Precision with 'bis auf'.

Sie konnte ihn schließlich umstimmen.

She was finally able to change his mind.

Prefix verb 'umstimmen'.

Wir sollten uns auf die Feiertage einstimmen.

We should get into the holiday spirit.

Reflexive 'sich einstimmen'.

Die Aussagen der Zeugen stimmen nicht überein.

The witnesses' statements do not match.

Negated 'übereinstimmen'.

Das Parlament stimmte über das neue Gesetz ab.

Parliament voted on the new law.

Separable 'abstimmen über'.

Die Stimmung im Team stimmt einfach.

The mood in the team is just right.

Wordplay with 'Stimmung' and 'stimmen'.

Ich stimme dir in diesem Punkt vollkommen zu.

I completely agree with you on this point.

Separable 'zustimmen' + Dative.

Die Proportionen des Gebäudes stimmen.

The proportions of the building are right.

Aesthetic correctness.

Das Orchester war perfekt aufeinander eingestimmt.

The orchestra was perfectly in tune with each other.

Participle 'eingestimmt'.

Seine Theorie stimmt mit den neuesten Erkenntnissen überein.

His theory corresponds with the latest findings.

Academic 'übereinstimmen'.

Es gilt, die verschiedenen Interessen aufeinander abzustimmen.

It is necessary to coordinate the various interests.

Infinitive with 'zu'.

Er wurde von der Mehrheit überstimmt.

He was outvoted by the majority.

Passive voice with 'überstimmen'.

Die feierliche Musik stimmte die Gäste auf das Fest ein.

The festive music put the guests in the mood for the celebration.

Transitive 'einstimmen'.

Trotz der Kritik stimmte er dem Vorschlag schließlich bei.

Despite the criticism, he finally agreed to the proposal.

Formal 'beistimmen'.

Die Faktenlage stimmt nicht mit seinen Behauptungen überein.

The facts do not align with his claims.

Complex subject 'Faktenlage'.

Man muss die Saiten sehr präzise stimmen.

One must tune the strings very precisely.

Technical usage.

Die Stimmführung in dieser Fuge ist meisterhaft.

The voice leading in this fugue is masterful.

Noun 'Stimmführung' (related to stimmen).

Er versuchte, die öffentliche Meinung umzustimmen.

He tried to sway public opinion.

Figurative 'umstimmen'.

Die verschiedenen Komponenten müssen fein aufeinander abgestimmt sein.

The various components must be finely tuned to one another.

Zustandspassiv (state passive).

Das Stimmrecht ist ein hohes Gut der Demokratie.

The right to vote is a high value of democracy.

Compound noun 'Stimmrecht'.

Sie stimmte in den Lobgesang mit ein.

She joined in the song of praise.

Separable 'mit einstimmen'.

Inwieweit stimmen diese Parameter mit der Realität überein?

To what extent do these parameters correspond with reality?

Scientific inquiry.

Die Harmonie der Farben stimmt bis ins kleinste Detail.

The harmony of colors is right down to the smallest detail.

Artistic critique.

Es stimmte ihn traurig, dass niemand gekommen war.

It made him sad that no one had come.

Causative 'stimmen' (to make someone feel a certain way).

Collocations courantes

Das stimmt.

Stimmt so.

Die Chemie stimmt.

Für jemanden stimmen.

Gegen etwas stimmen.

Ein Instrument stimmen.

Die Zahlen stimmen.

Die Richtung stimmt.

Stimmt's?

Genau stimmen.

Phrases Courantes

Das stimmt auffallend.

Stimmt so!

Wenn das stimmt...

Stimmt's oder habe ich recht?

Die Kasse stimmt.

Das kann so nicht stimmen.

Stimmen wir ab?

In sich stimmen.

Das stimmt hinten und vorne nicht.

Stimmt genau.

Souvent confondu avec

stimmen vs wählen (to choose/elect)

stimmen vs passen (to fit/suit)

stimmen vs richtig sein (to be right - general)

Expressions idiomatiques

"Die Chemie stimmt."

"Stimmt so."

"Etwas stimmt nicht."

"Sich auf etwas einstimmen."

"Jemanden umstimmen."

"Mit jemandem übereinstimmen."

"Die Kasse stimmt."

"Das stimmt hinten und vorne nicht."

"In den Kanon einstimmen."

"Sich froh stimmen lassen."

Facile à confondre

stimmen vs

Structures de phrases

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Comment l'utiliser

tuning

Specific to music.

voting

Always use a preposition or the prefix 'ab-' for clarity.

agreement

Use 'stimmen' for facts, 'Recht haben' for people.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'stimmen' for people (use 'Recht haben').
Forgetting the preposition 'für' when voting.
Confusing 'stimmen' with 'passen' (size).
Using 'stimmen' instead of 'wählen' for the general election process.
Forgetting the dative with 'zustimmen'.

Astuces

Tipping

Always remember 'Stimmt so' when you want to be generous in a German cafe. It makes you sound like a local.

Dative Alert

When using the related verb 'zustimmen', remember it requires the dative case. 'Ich stimme DEM Mann zu'.

Music

If you play an instrument, 'stimmen' is essential. You can't play well if your instrument doesn't 'stimmt'.

Agreement

Use 'Das stimmt' instead of 'Ja' sometimes to sound more engaged in the conversation.

Facts

Think of 'stimmen' as 'to be in accordance with the facts'.

Voting

In news, 'Stimmen' often refers to the number of votes. 'Er erhielt 50 Stimmen'.

Harmony

If a party is great, you can say 'Die Stimmung stimmt'.

Avoid Literal Translation

Don't translate 'I am right' as 'Ich stimme'. It's 'Ich habe recht'.

Prefixes

Learn 'abstimmen' and 'zustimmen' early, as they are used just as much as the base verb.

Questions

Listen for the rising intonation in 'Stimmt's?'—it's a very common way to seek confirmation.

Mémorise-le

Origine du mot

From Middle High German 'stimmen', derived from 'Stimme' (voice). Originally meant 'to use the voice' or 'to sound'.

Contexte culturel

Rounding up is the norm.

Voting (Abstimmen) is a highly valued civic duty.

Germans value factual accuracy, making 'Das stimmt' a frequent phrase.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"Stimmt es, dass du aus Berlin kommst?"

"Stimmst du mir zu, dass das Wetter toll ist?"

"Für welche Partei wirst du stimmen?"

"Stimmt die Adresse auf diesem Brief?"

"Stimmt es, dass du Deutsch lernst?"

Sujets d'écriture

Schreibe über eine Situation, in der du jemandem nicht zugestimmt hast.

Was stimmt in deinem Leben gerade besonders gut?

Hast du schon einmal ein Instrument gestimmt?

Warum ist es wichtig, bei Wahlen zu stimmen?

Wann hast du das letzte Mal 'Stimmt so' gesagt?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, you should say 'Du hast recht'. 'Stimmen' is used for things or facts, not people.

'Stimmen' is the act of voting or being correct. 'Abstimmen' is the process of a group taking a vote or coordinating something.

When the waiter tells you the price, give them more and say 'Stimmt so' to indicate they should keep the change as a tip.

Yes, it follows the regular conjugation pattern for weak verbs: stimme, stimmte, gestimmt.

Usually, we use 'einstellen' for a radio station, but 'stimmen' is used for musical instruments.

It's an idiom meaning that two people get along very well or have a good connection.

It is neutral and can be used in almost any context, from casual talk to business meetings.

Use the related verb 'zustimmen': 'Ich stimme dir zu' (informal) or 'Ich stimme Ihnen zu' (formal).

No, use 'passen' for size. 'Stimmen' would mean the item is the correct one, but not necessarily the right fit.

The most common nouns are 'die Stimme' (voice/vote) and 'die Stimmung' (mood/atmosphere).

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