kommentieren

You use kommentieren when you want to express your view on something. The key is that there’s usually something *to* comment on. It’s a reaction. You can comment *on* something specific. The preposition zu often follows kommentieren. So, you’d say Ich möchte das kommentieren (I want to comment on this). Or you can comment *about* something indirectly. The verb itself is pretty straightforward. It takes a direct object sometimes, but more often it's followed by zu plus a noun or pronoun, or it stands alone if the context is clear. You’ll see it used a lot in online forums and on social media platforms. It’s a very active verb, showing you’re not just a passive observer.

Imagine scrolling through Instagram. You see a friend's amazing travel photo. You might comment on it. Online, you read a news story about a new policy. You can go to the comments section and kommentieren your thoughts. Your favorite streamer is live on Twitch. You can type in the chat to kommentieren their gameplay. Even in a meeting, if someone presents data, you might ask to kommentieren the findings. It’s everywhere!

Use kommentieren when you have a specific opinion or observation about something that has been presented to you. Did your colleague share a report? You can kommentieren it. Did you watch a documentary? You can kommentieren the message. Is there a viral TikTok video? You can definitely kommentieren that. It’s perfect for online discussions, giving feedback, or simply sharing your reaction. It’s your go-to verb for adding your perspective. It’s especially useful when you want to be clear that you are actively responding.

Don't use kommentieren when you are simply *talking* about something in general. If you're just chatting with a friend about your day, you wouldn't say Ich kommentiere meinen Tag. That sounds weird! Also, avoid it if you're just describing something factually without adding an opinion. If you're telling someone what's in a picture, you're describing, not commenting. And if you're asking a question directly to someone, like "What time is it?", you're asking, not commenting. It’s not for initiating a topic out of the blue; it’s for reacting to something that exists. It’s like trying to use a remote control on a TV that isn't plugged in – it doesn't make sense.

A common slip-up is using kommentieren when you mean to just *say* or *tell* something. For instance, saying Ich möchte das kommentieren when you just want to state a fact. Or confusing it with erklären (to explain). You don't kommentieren an explanation; you might kommentieren *on* the explanation. Another mistake is forgetting the zu when needed. It’s not always mandatory, but often kommentieren zu is the most natural way to link your comment to its subject. Trying to kommentieren without a clear subject can also be confusing. It’s like giving a speech without knowing your audience!

✗ Ich kommentiere die Nachricht. (When you just want to say: I'm relaying the message.)

✓ Ich lese die Nachricht vor. or Ich sage die Nachricht.

✗ Er kommentierte das Wetter. (Meaning: He described the weather factually.)

✓ Er sprach über das Wetter. or Er beschrieb das Wetter.

There are other ways to express your thoughts. Sagen (to say) is more general. Meinen (to mean/think) is for expressing your personal opinion. Äußern (to express/voice) is a bit more formal, like voicing an opinion. Stellung nehmen (to take a position) is for more serious or official opinions. Bemerkungen machen (to make remarks) is similar but can be more casual. Diskutieren (to discuss) is for a back-and-forth exchange. Kommentieren is specifically about reacting to something concrete.

Sometimes you’ll see kommentieren used reflexively, like sich zu etwas äußern (to express oneself about something), which is similar. The noun form is der Kommentar (the comment). You might also hear kommentarlos (without comment), meaning something was done or accepted without any reaction. Think of a politician who refuses to kommentieren a scandal – they go kommentarlos through the press conference. It’s a handy adjective/adverb form!