At the A1 level, you likely won't use the word 'zitieren' yourself very often, as it is a bit more advanced than basic 'hello' and 'thank you.' However, you might see it in your textbook when a task asks you to 'Zitieren Sie einen Satz aus dem Text' (Quote a sentence from the text). At this stage, just recognize it as 'to quote.' You can think of it as a more formal version of 'schreiben' (to write) or 'sagen' (to say) when referring to someone else's words. Focus on the fact that it ends in '-ieren,' which tells you it's a verb. You might also see the noun 'das Zitat' (the quote) in reading exercises. It's a good 'bonus' word to know because it looks like the English word 'citation' or 'cite.' Just remember: when you see 'zitieren,' the teacher wants you to find a specific sentence and copy it down exactly as it is. Don't worry about complex grammar yet; just treat it as a command word in your German lessons.
At the A2 level, 'zitieren' becomes more useful as you start to talk about books, news, and what other people have said. You should be able to conjugate it in the present tense ('ich zitiere') and know that the past participle is 'zitiert' (without the 'ge-'!). You can use it to talk about your favorite authors or to explain where you got some information. For example, 'Ich zitiere meinen Lieblingsautor' (I am quoting my favorite author). You should also be aware that it takes the accusative case. If you are quoting 'der Mann,' it becomes 'den Mann.' This is also the level where you might start using the 'Quote' function on social media, so knowing the word 'zitieren' helps you navigate German websites. It's a step up from 'er sagt' and shows that you are becoming more precise in your German. You should also be able to understand simple instructions like 'Bitte zitieren Sie die Quelle' (Please cite the source) in a classroom or work environment.
By B1, you are expected to use 'zitieren' in more formal writing, such as essays or reports. You should understand the difference between 'wörtlich zitieren' (quoting literally) and 'sinngemäß wiedergeben' (paraphrasing). At this level, you will also encounter the passive voice: 'Er wurde falsch zitiert' (He was misquoted). This is common in news articles. You should also be comfortable using 'zitieren' in subordinate clauses, like 'Es ist wichtig, dass wir die Experten richtig zitieren' (It is important that we quote the experts correctly). You might also start to see the word used in a legal or official sense, meaning 'to summon,' although the primary meaning remains 'to quote.' Your vocabulary should also include related words like 'die Zitierweise' (the way of quoting/citation style). You are now moving beyond just repeating words to discussing the act of citation itself and its importance in German culture and academia.
At the B2 level, 'zitieren' is a standard part of your academic and professional vocabulary. You should be able to discuss the nuances of citation, such as 'aus dem Zusammenhang zitieren' (quoting out of context). This is a common phrase in political debates. You will also use 'zitieren' when writing more complex argumentative texts, where you need to 'belegen' (prove) your points by citing sources. You should be familiar with the 'Konjunktiv I' which often follows the act of quoting to indicate reported speech. For example, 'Er zitiert den Minister, dieser habe keine Zeit' (He quotes the minister as saying he has no time). You should also know the difference between 'zitieren' and similar verbs like 'anführen,' 'verweisen,' and 'nennen.' Your use of the word should be fluid, and you should be able to handle it in various tenses, including the 'Präteritum' (zitierte) which is common in written reports and literature.
At the C1 level, you use 'zitieren' with high precision and stylistic variety. You understand its historical and legal roots and can use it in its rarer sense of 'summoning' someone to an official meeting or court. You are also aware of the 'Zitierfreiheit' (freedom of quotation) in German law and can discuss intellectual property issues using this terminology. In academic contexts, you are a master of 'Zitierregeln' (citation rules) and can critique others' 'Zitierweise.' You might use the verb in more abstract ways, such as 'eine Epoche zitieren' (to evoke or reference an era) in art or fashion criticism. You are comfortable with complex sentence structures involving the verb and can use it to create sophisticated rhetorical effects. Your understanding of the word is no longer just about 'repeating words' but about the entire system of intertextuality and authority that citation represents in Western thought.
At the C2 level, 'zitieren' is a tool for nuanced expression. You can use it to discuss the philosophical implications of citation—how words change meaning when they are moved from one context to another. You are familiar with literary terms like 'das versteckte Zitat' (the hidden quote/allusion). You can navigate the most complex legal and academic texts where 'zitieren' might be used in highly specific, technical ways. You might also use it in a self-reflective way in high-level discourse. Your command of the word includes all its idiomatic uses and its relationship to other high-register verbs. You can effortlessly switch between the literal meaning and the metaphorical or legal meanings. For a C2 speaker, 'zitieren' is not just a verb but a concept that touches upon history, law, literature, and the very nature of communication. You can speak about 'Zitierbarkeit' (quotability) and the impact of 'Zitate' on public opinion with the sophistication of a native intellectual.

zitieren 30秒で

  • Zitieren is the German verb for quoting or citing sources, essential for academic and professional communication to ensure transparency and credit.
  • It is a weak verb conjugated with 'haben' in the perfect tense, notably omitting the 'ge-' prefix in its past participle form 'zitiert'.
  • Beyond academic use, it also appears in journalism and digital media, where it refers to relaying verbatim statements or using 'quote' functions.
  • A secondary, more formal meaning involves summoning someone to a court or official meeting, though this is less common in everyday speech.
The German verb zitieren is a fundamental term that English speakers will recognize due to its Latin roots, yet its application in German carries specific nuances that are essential for mastering the language. At its most basic level, zitieren means 'to quote' or 'to cite.' This involves the act of repeating someone else's spoken or written words while acknowledging the original source. In German culture, where intellectual precision and academic rigor are highly valued, the act of zitieren is treated with significant importance, whether you are in a university lecture hall or discussing a news article with friends.
Academic Context
In schools and universities, zitieren refers to the formal process of referencing literature. Students are taught early on that they must zitieren correctly to avoid plagiarism. This involves using specific styles like APA or MLA, adapted for German standards.
Beyond the classroom, you will encounter zitieren in journalism. News anchors often say, 'Wir zitieren den Sprecher der Regierung' (We are quoting the government spokesperson). This signals to the listener that the following words are verbatim and not a paraphrase.

Der Professor wollte den berühmten Autor in seiner Vorlesung zitieren.

In everyday life, the word can be used more loosely. If you are telling a story and want to emphasize that you are repeating exactly what someone said, you might use zitieren. However, for casual 'he said/she said' scenarios, Germans more frequently use the verb sagen or meinen. Using zitieren adds a layer of formality and authority to the conversation. Furthermore, zitieren can also mean 'to summon' in a legal or official context, though this is less common for A2 learners. For example, 'jemanden vor Gericht zitieren' means to summon someone to court. This reflects the verb's Latin origin citare, which means to put in motion or to call forward.
Legal Usage
While rare in daily chat, 'vorladen' is the more common modern word for summoning, but zitieren remains in use in high-register legal literature.
In the digital age, zitieren is also the standard word for the 'Quote' function on social media or forums. If you want to reply to a specific part of a message, you click the Zitieren-Button. This modern application has made the word extremely common in technical and online environments.

Kannst du bitte die Quelle zitieren, damit wir die Information prüfen können?

Understanding the breadth of zitieren allows you to navigate academic, professional, and digital spaces in Germany with confidence. It is a verb that bridges the gap between ancient legal traditions and modern internet communication. Finally, the word is often paired with nouns like Quelle (source), Textstelle (passage), or Autor (author). Mastering these collocations will make your German sound much more natural and precise.
Key Collocation
'Wörtlich zitieren' means to quote word-for-word, which is the gold standard in German reporting and academia.
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Using zitieren correctly requires an understanding of German sentence structure, specifically the use of the accusative case for the object being quoted. Since zitieren is a transitive verb, it almost always takes a direct object. This object can be a person (the one whose words are being repeated) or the words themselves (a quote, a sentence, or a book).
Direct Objects
In the sentence 'Ich zitiere den Autor', 'den Autor' is in the accusative case. If you quote a sentence, it would be 'Ich zitiere einen Satz'.
When constructing sentences, the position of the verb depends on the type of clause. In a main clause, zitieren occupies the second position. For example: 'Heute zitieren wir Goethe.' In a subordinate clause, it moves to the end: 'Ich glaube, dass er den Text falsch zitiert.'

Er zitierte seine Mutter, um seinen Punkt zu beweisen.

One of the most common ways to use zitieren is in the perfect tense. Since it is a weak verb, the past participle is zitiert. It uses the auxiliary verb haben. Example: 'Sie hat die Statistik korrekt zitiert.' This is particularly useful in work or school contexts when discussing reports or research. Another important aspect is the use of the word wörtlich (literally/verbatim). If you want to emphasize that you are not paraphrasing, you say: 'Ich möchte ihn wörtlich zitieren.' This adds precision to your speech.
Prepositional Phrases
You can use 'aus' to specify the work: 'Er zitiert aus dem neuen Buch.' This implies he is picking out specific parts from the whole.
In more advanced German, you might use the passive voice: 'Der Politiker wurde falsch zitiert.' (The politician was misquoted.) This is a very common phrase in German media when public figures claim their words were taken out of context.

Es ist wichtig, Quellen immer genau zu zitieren.

For learners at the A2 level, focus on the present tense and the simple past participle. Practice sentences like 'Ich zitiere dich' (I quote you) or 'Wir haben das Beispiel zitiert' (We have quoted the example). Finally, consider the reflexive use, though rare. One might say 'sich selbst zitieren' (to quote oneself). This is often used humorously or in academic self-referencing.
Common Pattern
Subject + haben + Object + zitiert. (e.g., Wir haben den Lehrer zitiert.)
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The word zitieren is ubiquitous in German public life, particularly in the media, education, and legal systems. If you turn on the news, such as the Tagesschau, you will frequently hear reporters say, 'Die Zeitung zitiert einen Insider...' (The newspaper quotes an insider...). This is the standard way to relay information from anonymous or third-party sources. In this context, zitieren serves as a tool for journalistic transparency.
Media and Journalism
Journalists use 'zitieren' to distance themselves from the statement. By saying they are quoting someone, they are reporting a fact (that the statement was made) rather than claiming the statement itself is true.
In the German education system, from Gymnasium through university, the word is a daily staple. Teachers will often ask students, 'Kannst du eine Stelle aus dem Text zitieren, die das belegt?' (Can you quote a passage from the text that proves that?). Here, zitieren is synonymous with providing evidence.

In seiner Rede zitierte der Bundespräsident ein altes Sprichwort.

You will also hear it in the workplace, especially during meetings or when writing emails. If a colleague says, 'Ich möchte hier kurz unseren Chef zitieren...', they are signaling that they are about to share an official directive or a specific piece of feedback. It adds a level of seriousness to the communication. Legal settings are another prime location for this word. While A2 learners might not spend much time in German courts, understanding that zitieren can mean 'to summon' is useful for reading news about legal proceedings. 'Der Zeuge wurde vor den Ausschuss zitiert' (The witness was summoned before the committee).
Cultural Nuance
Germans have a high respect for the 'Urheberrecht' (copyright). Therefore, 'zitieren' is often discussed in the context of what is legally allowed without permission.
In pop culture, you might hear it when discussing song lyrics or famous movie lines. Fans of German rap or literature will zitieren their favorite lines during conversations.

Die Fans zitieren oft die Texte der Band bei Konzerten.

Lastly, in the age of social media, 'zitieren' is the verb used for 'Retweet with Quote' or 'Quote Tweet' on platforms like X (formerly Twitter). If you see a button that says 'Zitieren', you know it will allow you to share someone else's post with your own comment added. .
For English speakers learning German, zitieren presents a few common pitfalls, ranging from pronunciation to grammatical structure. The first major mistake is mispronouncing the '-ieren' suffix. Many beginners try to pronounce it like the English 'iron' or 'iren,' but in German, it is always a long 'ee' sound followed by a soft 'n' (zi-TEE-ren).
Pronunciation Error
Avoid saying 'zait-ieren'. The 'z' is a sharp 'ts' sound, and the 'i' is a long 'ee'. It should sound like 'tsee-TEE-ren'.
Another frequent error is the confusion between zitieren and rezitieren. While they look similar and both involve speaking, rezitieren specifically means to recite something from memory, like a poem or a prayer, often with a certain artistic flair. Zitieren is more about the act of referencing or repeating for information.

Falsch: Ich möchte ein Gedicht zitieren. (Unless you are citing it in a paper; if you are performing it, use 'rezitieren'.)

Grammatically, learners often struggle with the past participle. Because zitieren ends in '-ieren', it does not take the 'ge-' prefix in the perfect tense. It is 'ich habe zitiert', not 'ich habe gezitiert'. This is a rule for almost all German verbs ending in '-ieren'. Misunderstanding the object is another issue. You can zitieren a person (the author) or a thing (the quote). However, you cannot 'zitieren' a fact unless it is specifically tied to a source. You don't 'quote' that the sun is hot; you 'quote' a scientist who said it.
Object Confusion
Correct: 'Er zitiert den Artikel.' Incorrect: 'Er zitiert, dass es regnet.' (Use 'Er sagt/erwähnt, dass...' instead.)
In writing, forgetting quotation marks (Anführungszeichen) when using the verb zitieren is a stylistic error. In German, quotation marks look like this: „Text“. The first ones are at the bottom, the second ones at the top.

Richtig: Er zitiert: „Ich komme morgen.“

Finally, beware of 'false friends' in other languages, though 'cite/quote' is a fairly direct translation. In some contexts, English speakers say 'I cite the reason,' but in German, you would more likely use nennen (to name) or anführen (to state/bring up) for reasons. .
German is a language of precision, and while zitieren is the most direct word for quoting, several other verbs offer different shades of meaning depending on the context. Understanding these alternatives will help you sound more like a native speaker.
Anführen
This means 'to cite' or 'to bring up' a point or an example. It is less about the exact words and more about the evidence. 'Er führte ein Beispiel an' (He cited an example).
Another close relative is wiedergeben. This literally means 'to give back' and is used for paraphrasing or summarizing what someone said. While zitieren implies verbatim repetition, wiedergeben focuses on the content and meaning.

Können Sie den Inhalt des Gesprächs wiedergeben?

Then there is nennen, which simply means 'to name' or 'to mention.' If you just want to mention a source without necessarily repeating their words, nennen is appropriate. 'Nennen Sie Ihre Quellen!' (Name your sources!). For more formal or poetic contexts, you might encounter anrufen (in the sense of invoking a spirit or a law) or ins Feld führen (to bring into the field/argument). These are higher-register terms.
Rezitieren
As mentioned before, this is for performance. Use it for poems, scripts, or religious texts. 'Sie rezitierte ein Gedicht von Rilke.'
If you are talking about 'referencing' in a technical sense, you might use referenzieren or verweisen auf (to refer to). 'Ich verweise auf die Fußnote' (I refer to the footnote).

Der Redner verwies auf die Erfolge des letzten Jahres.

In the context of repeating gossip or rumors, Germans often use nachplappern (to parrot) or nachsagen. These have a negative connotation, implying that the person is repeating words without thinking. Finally, bezeugen (to testify/witness) can be used when someone's words are used as evidence in a more personal or legal sense. Understanding these differences allows you to choose the exact tool for the job.
Quick Comparison
Zitieren = Word for word. Wiedergeben = In your own words. Anführen = As evidence.
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How Formal Is It?

豆知識

The English word 'excite' and 'incite' come from the same Latin root 'citare'. So, when you quote someone, you are 'exciting' their words back into the conversation!

発音ガイド

UK /tsiˈtiːʁən/
US /tsiˈtiːrən/
Second syllable (zi-TIE-ren).
韻が合う語
studieren probieren marschieren notieren passieren servieren trainieren verlieren
よくある間違い
  • Pronouncing 'z' like a soft English 'z' (it should be 'ts').
  • Stress on the first syllable (ZItieren is wrong).
  • Pronouncing '-ieren' as 'iron'.
  • Making the 'i' too short.
  • Adding a 'g' sound at the end.

難易度

読解 2/5

Easy to recognize due to English 'cite'.

ライティング 3/5

Remembering the no-ge- prefix is the main hurdle.

スピーキング 3/5

Correct stress (zi-TIE-ren) is important.

リスニング 2/5

Clear pronunciation usually makes it easy to catch.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

sagen schreiben der Text der Name die Seite

次に学ぶ

belegen erwähnen wiedergeben die Quelle der Kontext

上級

die Intertextualität das Plagiat die Urheberrechtsverletzung der Konjunktiv I die Quellenangabe

知っておくべき文法

Verbs ending in -ieren

studieren -> studiert, zitieren -> zitiert (No 'ge-').

Accusative Case

Ich zitiere den (not der) Autor.

Konjunktiv I for reported speech

Er sagt, er zitiere nur die Wahrheit.

Infinitive with 'zu'

Es ist schwer, alles richtig zu zitieren.

Passive Voice

Das Zitat wird oft verwendet.

レベル別の例文

1

Zitieren Sie den Satz.

Quote the sentence.

Imperative form of 'zitieren'.

2

Ich zitiere Goethe.

I am quoting Goethe.

Present tense, first person singular.

3

Hier ist ein Zitat.

Here is a quote.

Noun form 'das Zitat'.

4

Er zitiert den Text.

He is quoting the text.

Third person singular.

5

Wir zitieren heute.

We are quoting today.

First person plural.

6

Zitierst du mich?

Are you quoting me?

Question form, second person singular.

7

Sie zitieren den Lehrer.

They are quoting the teacher.

Third person plural.

8

Bitte nicht zitieren.

Please do not quote.

Negative imperative.

1

Ich habe die Quelle zitiert.

I have cited the source.

Perfect tense with 'haben'.

2

Kannst du ihn zitieren?

Can you quote him?

Modal verb 'können' + infinitive.

3

Sie zitiert aus ihrem Buch.

She is quoting from her book.

Use of 'aus' to indicate the source.

4

Wir zitieren den Bericht.

We are quoting the report.

Accusative object 'den Bericht'.

5

Er zitiert seine Mutter oft.

He quotes his mother often.

Adverb 'oft' qualifying the verb.

6

Warum zitieren Sie mich?

Why are you quoting me?

Formal address 'Sie'.

7

Das Buch zitiert viele Experten.

The book quotes many experts.

The book is the subject here.

8

Ich möchte diesen Satz zitieren.

I would like to quote this sentence.

Modal phrase 'möchte' + infinitive.

1

Es ist wichtig, korrekt zu zitieren.

It is important to cite correctly.

Infinitiv mit 'zu'.

2

Der Redner wurde falsch zitiert.

The speaker was misquoted.

Passive voice 'wurde zitiert'.

3

Man muss die Primärquelle zitieren.

One must cite the primary source.

Impersonal 'man' + modal verb.

4

Sie zitierte den Artikel in ihrer Mail.

She quoted the article in her email.

Präteritum (simple past).

5

Zitieren Sie bitte die genaue Seite.

Please cite the exact page.

Formal imperative with an adjective.

6

Ich zitiere ihn nur ungern.

I quote him only reluctantly.

Adverb 'ungern' expressing attitude.

7

Wir haben die Statistik nicht zitiert.

We did not quote the statistic.

Negation in the perfect tense.

8

Er liebt es, schlaue Leute zu zitieren.

He loves quoting smart people.

Verb 'lieben' + infinitive construction.

1

Er zitiert oft aus dem Zusammenhang.

He often quotes out of context.

Idiomatic phrase 'aus dem Zusammenhang'.

2

Die Studie wird in vielen Medien zitiert.

The study is quoted in many media outlets.

Present passive 'wird zitiert'.

3

Ich zitiere: „Das ist unmöglich.“

I quote: 'That is impossible.'

Use of colon before a quote.

4

Man darf nicht ohne Erlaubnis zitieren.

One must not quote without permission.

Modal verb 'dürfen' + negation.

5

Sie zitierte den Zeugen wörtlich.

She quoted the witness verbatim.

Adverb 'wörtlich' for precision.

6

Das Gesetz wird hier oft zitiert.

The law is often cited here.

Passive voice in a general context.

7

Er weigerte sich, die Quelle zu zitieren.

He refused to cite the source.

Reflexive verb 'sich weigern' + infinitive.

8

Zitieren Sie doch mal etwas Schönes!

Why don't you quote something beautiful!

Particle 'doch mal' for emphasis.

1

Die Zitierfähigkeit des Werkes ist umstritten.

The quotability of the work is controversial.

Noun 'Zitierfähigkeit'.

2

Er wurde vor den Untersuchungsausschuss zitiert.

He was summoned before the investigative committee.

Legal meaning 'to summon'.

3

Diese Passage wird in der Literatur oft zitiert.

This passage is often cited in literature.

Passive voice 'wird zitiert'.

4

Sie beherrscht die Kunst des Zitierens.

She masters the art of quoting.

Nominalized verb 'des Zitierens'.

5

Man sollte nicht blindlings alles zitieren.

One should not blindly quote everything.

Adverb 'blindlings'.

6

Der Autor zitiert sich in diesem Kapitel selbst.

The author quotes himself in this chapter.

Reflexive use 'sich selbst zitieren'.

7

Es ist eine Frage der korrekten Zitierweise.

It is a question of the correct citation style.

Genitive case 'der korrekten Zitierweise'.

8

Er neigt dazu, Klassiker falsch zu zitieren.

He tends to misquote the classics.

Verb 'neigen zu' + infinitive.

1

Das Werk zitiert die Ästhetik des Barock.

The work references the aesthetics of the Baroque.

Metaphorical use in art criticism.

2

Ein Zitat ist immer auch eine Deplatzierung.

A quote is always also a displacement.

Philosophical observation.

3

Die Intertextualität beruht auf dem Zitieren.

Intertextuality is based on quoting.

Academic terminology.

4

Er zitiert die Vergangenheit, um die Gegenwart zu erklären.

He cites the past to explain the present.

Abstract use of the verb.

5

Das Gericht zitierte den Beklagten zur Anhörung.

The court summoned the defendant to the hearing.

Formal legal usage.

6

Es ist ein Spiel mit Zitaten und Anspielungen.

It is a game with quotes and allusions.

Plural noun 'Zitaten'.

7

Die Zitierwut mancher Autoren ist anstrengend.

The obsession with quoting of some authors is exhausting.

Compound noun 'Zitierwut'.

8

Er zitiert ausgiebig aus unveröffentlichten Quellen.

He quotes extensively from unpublished sources.

Adverb 'ausgiebig'.

よく使う組み合わせ

wörtlich zitieren
aus einer Quelle zitieren
falsch zitiert werden
den Autor zitieren
aus dem Zusammenhang zitieren
eine Stelle zitieren
nach jemandem zitieren
jemanden vor Gericht zitieren
einen Satz zitieren
Statistiken zitieren

よく使うフレーズ

Ich zitiere:

— A standard way to introduce a direct quote.

Ich zitiere: „Die Freiheit ist immer die Freiheit der Andersdenkenden.“

Wie oben zitiert

— Used in writing to refer to a previous quote.

Wie oben zitiert, ist die Lage ernst.

Zitieren erlaubt

— A note indicating that quoting the text is permitted.

Zitieren mit Quellenangabe erlaubt.

Darf ich Sie zitieren?

— Asking for permission to repeat someone's words.

Das ist ein toller Satz, darf ich Sie zitieren?

Falsch zitiert!

— A common exclamation when someone gets a quote wrong.

Das habe ich nie gesagt, du hast mich falsch zitiert!

Reichlich zitieren

— To quote extensively or a lot.

In seiner Dissertation zitiert er reichlich aus der Fachliteratur.

Ein Zitat anführen

— To bring up a quote in a discussion.

Er führte ein Zitat von Einstein an.

Sich auf jemanden zitieren

— Incorrect usage (should be 'berufen'), but often heard from learners.

Er zitiert sich auf den Experten (Correct: Er beruft sich auf...).

Zitier mir das mal!

— Informal command to show where something is written.

Wo steht das? Zitier mir das mal!

Zum Zitieren geeignet

— Something that is 'quotable' or worthy of being cited.

Dieser Slogan ist perfekt zum Zitieren geeignet.

よく混同される語

zitieren vs rezitieren

Rezitieren is for performing/reciting from memory; zitieren is for referencing/quoting.

zitieren vs erwähnen

Erwähnen is just mentioning; zitieren is repeating the specific words.

zitieren vs nennen

Nennen is naming a source; zitieren is giving the content of the source.

慣用句と表現

"Aus dem Zusammenhang gerissen zitieren"

— To quote something in a way that changes its original intent.

Die Presse hat seine Worte aus dem Zusammenhang gerissen zitiert.

neutral
"Jemanden zu sich zitieren"

— To summon someone to one's presence, often sternly.

Der Chef hat ihn in sein Büro zitiert.

informal/neutral
"Sich selbst zitieren"

— To repeat one's own previous statements, often seen as arrogant.

Er zitiert sich in jeder Rede selbst.

neutral
"Wörtlich nehmen und zitieren"

— To take someone's words exactly and use them against them.

Man sollte ihn beim Wort nehmen und ihn wörtlich zitieren.

neutral
"Ein wandelndes Zitat sein"

— To constantly use clichés or quotes from others.

Er hat keine eigene Meinung, er ist ein wandelndes Zitat.

informal
"Zitate dreschen"

— To use many quotes without much substance (like 'empty talk').

Hör auf, Zitate zu dreschen, und sag deine Meinung!

informal
"Vor die Schranken zitieren"

— To summon someone to court (archaic/formal).

Er wurde vor die Schranken des Gesetzes zitiert.

formal
"Etwas als Beleg zitieren"

— To use a quote as primary evidence.

Er zitiert die Studie als Beleg für seine Theorie.

academic
"Das „Zitieren“ von Trends"

— In fashion/art, to reuse or reference old styles.

Die neue Kollektion zitiert die 70er Jahre.

creative
"Nicht zitierfähig sein"

— Information that cannot be officially quoted (off the record).

Das Gespräch war vertraulich und ist nicht zitierfähig.

professional

間違えやすい

zitieren vs rezitieren

Similar sound and both involve speaking words.

Rezitieren is artistic/performative; zitieren is informative/academic.

Er rezitiert ein Gedicht, aber er zitiert eine Statistik.

zitieren vs diktieren

Both end in -ieren and involve words.

Diktieren is saying words for someone else to write down; zitieren is repeating existing words.

Der Chef diktiert einen Brief.

zitieren vs notieren

Ends in -ieren.

Notieren is taking notes; zitieren is quoting.

Ich notiere mir die Telefonnummer.

zitieren vs studieren

Common -ieren verb.

Studieren is to study; zitieren is to quote.

Ich studiere Jura.

zitieren vs passieren

Common -ieren verb.

Passieren is to happen; zitieren is to quote.

Was ist passiert?

文型パターン

A1

Ich zitiere [Name].

Ich zitiere Einstein.

A2

Ich habe [Objekt] zitiert.

Ich habe den Satz zitiert.

B1

Es ist wichtig, [Objekt] zu zitieren.

Es ist wichtig, die Quelle zu zitieren.

B2

[Subjekt] wird oft zitiert.

Goethe wird oft zitiert.

B2

Er zitiert aus [Quelle].

Er zitiert aus der Zeitung.

C1

Ohne [Objekt] zu zitieren, ...

Ohne die Studie zu zitieren, kann man das nicht sagen.

C1

Jemanden [Adverb] zitieren.

Jemanden fälschlicherweise zitieren.

C2

Das Zitieren von [Konzept] ...

Das Zitieren von Klassikern ist ein Stilmittel.

語族

名詞

das Zitat
die Zitierung
die Zitierweise
die Zitierfähigkeit
der Zitator

動詞

zitieren
anzitieren
nachzitieren
überzitieren

形容詞

zitierfähig
zitierwürdig
zitiert

関連

die Quelle
der Beleg
die Anmerkung
das Plagiat
die Referenz

使い方

frequency

High in written and academic German; medium in daily speech.

よくある間違い
  • Ich habe gezitiert. Ich habe zitiert.

    Verbs ending in -ieren do not take the 'ge-' prefix.

  • Ich zitiere der Mann. Ich zitiere den Mann.

    The verb 'zitieren' takes the accusative case.

  • Er zitiert ein Gedicht (when performing). Er rezitiert ein Gedicht.

    Use 'rezitieren' for artistic performances.

  • Zitieren Sie von das Buch. Zitieren Sie aus dem Buch.

    The correct preposition for quoting from a work is 'aus' + dative.

  • Ich zitiere, dass er müde ist. Er sagte, er sei müde.

    'Zitieren' is for repeating words, not for general reported facts (use 'sagen' or 'meinen').

ヒント

The No-ge Rule

Always remember that -ieren verbs like zitieren, studieren, and telefonieren never use 'ge-' in the past participle. This is one of the most common mistakes for learners.

Stress the Tie

Put the emphasis on the 'tie' part: zi-TIE-ren. If you stress the first syllable, it sounds very unnatural to German ears.

Source Matters

In German universities, 'zitieren' is a holy act. Never use a quote without a clear 'Quellenangabe' (source reference).

Wörtlich vs. Sinngemäß

Know the difference: 'wörtlich' is word-for-word, 'sinngemäß' is the general meaning. Native speakers appreciate this distinction.

Noun Connection

Learn 'das Zitat' (the quote) alongside the verb. It's a neuter noun: 'ein schönes Zitat'.

Watch the News

Listen for 'zitieren' in news reports. It's a great way to hear the verb in a natural, high-register context.

Forum Usage

On German websites, look for the 'Zitieren' button. It's the standard term for quoting a previous user's post.

Summoning

If you read 'Er wurde ins Büro zitiert', it means he was called there, likely because he's in trouble!

Zitieren vs. Sagen

Use 'zitieren' when you want to sound more professional or precise than 'sagen'.

German Quotes

Practice writing German quotation marks: „ at the start (bottom) and “ at the end (top).

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of a 'Citation' (cite-ieren). When you cite someone, you 'zi-TIE-ren' them to your text like tying a knot between sources.

視覚的連想

Imagine a pair of quotation marks („ “) acting like a set of tongs, picking up a sentence and moving it to a new page.

Word Web

Quelle Autor Text Satz Anführungszeichen Beleg Wissenschaft Nachricht

チャレンジ

Try to find three famous German quotes today and say: 'Ich zitiere [Name]: [Quote]' out loud to practice the flow.

語源

Derived from the Latin verb 'citare', which means 'to cause to move', 'to arouse', or 'to summon'.

元の意味: Originally, it referred to summoning someone to appear before a court or authority.

Indo-European > Latin > Old French > German.

文化的な背景

Always ensure you aren't 'misquoting' (falsch zitieren), as Germans value precision highly and may correct you.

While 'cite' and 'quote' are distinct in English (cite for source, quote for words), German 'zitieren' covers both actions frequently.

The Guttenberg-Affäre (academic plagiarism scandal) Goethe-Zitate in daily speech Zitieren von Gesetzestexten in bureaucracy

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

University/School

  • Korrekt zitieren
  • Die Quelle zitieren
  • Zitierregeln beachten
  • Ein Zitat einfügen

Journalism

  • Einen Sprecher zitieren
  • Wörtlich zitieren
  • Falsch zitiert werden
  • Aus Kreisen zitieren

Social Media

  • Einen Post zitieren
  • Zitieren-Funktion
  • Den Tweet zitieren
  • User zitieren

Legal

  • Einen Paragraphen zitieren
  • Vor Gericht zitieren
  • Das Gesetz zitieren
  • Zeugen zitieren

Daily Life

  • Einen Witz zitieren
  • Filme zitieren
  • Freunde zitieren
  • Sich selbst zitieren

会話のきっかけ

"Welchen Autor zitieren Sie am liebsten in Ihren Texten?"

"Wurdest du schon einmal von jemandem komplett falsch zitiert?"

"Findest du es wichtig, in sozialen Medien immer die Quelle zu zitieren?"

"Kannst du ein berühmtes deutsches Zitat auswendig zitieren?"

"Warum zitieren Politiker oft nur die halbe Wahrheit aus Statistiken?"

日記のテーマ

Schreibe über ein Zitat, das dein Leben verändert hat. Wer hat es gesagt und warum zitierst du es?

Warum ist es in der Wissenschaft so wichtig, Quellen genau zu zitieren? Erkläre deine Meinung.

Hast du schon einmal jemanden zu dir zitiert, um ein ernstes Gespräch zu führen? Beschreibe die Situation.

Überlege dir, wie soziale Medien das Zitieren von Informationen verändert haben. Ist es heute einfacher oder schwerer?

Zitiere drei Sätze aus deinem Lieblingsbuch und erkläre, was sie für dich bedeuten.

よくある質問

10 問

In a formal or academic context, yes, 'zitieren' implies that you are attributing the words to a specific source. In casual speech, you might just repeat words, but 'zitieren' still suggests you know who said them.

No, 'gezitiert' is incorrect. Verbs ending in '-ieren' do not take the 'ge-' prefix in the Partizip II. The correct form is 'zitiert'.

No, 'zitieren' is strictly for words (spoken or written) or, in art/fashion, for referencing styles. You cannot 'quote' someone's physical movement in the literal sense.

'Zitieren' is usually verbatim (word-for-word), while 'anführen' is often used to bring up an example or a reason to support an argument.

Usually, you use 'zitieren aus' + [Work] (e.g., aus dem Buch) or just [Person] as a direct object (e.g., den Autor zitieren).

The most common way is to use the passive voice: 'falsch zitiert werden' or the adverb: 'jemanden falsch zitieren'.

Use 'rezitieren' when you are performing something, like a poem, a monologue in a play, or a religious prayer.

Yes, it can mean 'to summon' someone to appear before an authority or court, though 'vorladen' is more common today.

They are called 'Anführungszeichen'. They look like „this“ in German typography.

Yes, especially if you are referring to a previous message or an official document. 'Wie Sie in Ihrer Mail zitierten...' is a common professional phrase.

自分をテスト 185 問

writing

Write a sentence: 'I quote my teacher.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence: 'We have cited the source.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence: 'He quoted a famous sentence.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence: 'It is important to quote correctly.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence: 'Don't quote me out of context!'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence: 'The author quotes herself.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence: 'Can you quote a passage?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence: 'She was misquoted by the media.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence: 'I like to quote movies.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence: 'Please cite the page number.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence: 'They quoted the expert.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence: 'I am quoting Einstein.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence: 'He has not quoted the study.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence: 'You must cite your sources.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence: 'We are quoting the poem.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence: 'Who are you quoting?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence: 'The politician was quoted.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence: 'I want to quote this.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence: 'The book quotes many authors.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence: 'Correct citation is necessary.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say: 'I quote.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say: 'Who are you quoting?'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say: 'I quoted the book.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say: 'We quote word-for-word.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say: 'Please quote the source.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say: 'He was misquoted.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say: 'I want to quote Einstein.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say: 'Is that a quote?'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say: 'Quote the first sentence.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say: 'She quotes out of context.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say: 'I have not quoted you.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say: 'Can you quote a line?'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say: 'He quotes his father often.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say: 'We cited the statistics.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say: 'Why are you quoting me?'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say: 'Quote the author, please.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say: 'I love this quote.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say: 'It is easy to quote.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say: 'Don't quote me on that!'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say: 'He cited many examples.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and write: 'Ich zitiere den Autor.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and write: 'Haben Sie die Quelle zitiert?'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and write: 'Er wurde falsch zitiert.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and write: 'Zitieren Sie den Text.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and write: 'Das Zitat ist sehr lang.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and write: 'Wir zitieren aus dem Buch.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and write: 'Können Sie ihn zitieren?'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and write: 'Ich zitiere wörtlich.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and write: 'Zitieren ist wichtig.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and write: 'Sie zitiert gerne Filme.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and write: 'Wer hat das zitiert?'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and write: 'Es ist ein Zitat.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and write: 'Zitieren Sie bitte.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and write: 'Er zitiert den Minister.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and write: 'Darf ich zitieren?'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:

/ 185 correct

Perfect score!

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