In 15 Seconds
- Analyzing data to find meaningful patterns.
- Commonly used in professional and academic settings.
- Implies a thorough, systematic interpretation of numbers.
Meaning
Think of it as being a data detective. You take a pile of raw numbers and figure out the story they are trying to tell.
Key Examples
3 of 7In a business meeting
Wir müssen erst die Statistiken auswerten, bevor wir entscheiden.
We need to evaluate the statistics first before we decide.
Talking about a fitness app
Ich werte jeden Sonntag meine Lauf-Statistiken aus.
I evaluate my running statistics every Sunday.
At university
Für meine Masterarbeit muss ich hunderte Statistiken auswerten.
For my master's thesis, I have to evaluate hundreds of statistics.
Cultural Background
Germany has a strong tradition of 'Statistik' dating back to the 18th century. The term 'Statistik' was actually coined by a German, Gottfried Achenwall, in 1749. In German meetings, 'auswerten' is a power word. It signals that you are not guessing, but basing your opinion on hard facts. German universities place a high emphasis on 'Methodenlehre' (methodology). Knowing how to 'auswerten' is a prerequisite for almost any social science degree. During election nights ('Wahlabend'), the phrase is used constantly as pollsters 'auswerten' the incoming votes.
Use the Noun
In professional emails, use '{die|f} Auswertung'. Example: 'Anbei erhalten Sie die Auswertung der Statistiken.' It sounds very polished.
Separable Verb Trap
Remember that in the past tense (Perfekt), it's 'ausGEwertet', not 'geauswertet'.
In 15 Seconds
- Analyzing data to find meaningful patterns.
- Commonly used in professional and academic settings.
- Implies a thorough, systematic interpretation of numbers.
What It Means
Imagine you have a giant spreadsheet full of numbers. On their own, they are just boring digits. When you Statistiken auswerten, you are doing the hard work. You are looking for patterns, trends, and secrets. It is the process of turning raw data into actual knowledge. You aren't just looking at the numbers. You are interpreting them to make a decision.
How To Use It
This phrase is a classic 'verb-noun' combo. In German, we call this a 'Kollokation'. You will mostly use the verb auswerten at the end of a sentence. For example, Ich muss die Ergebnisse noch auswerten. If you are talking in the present tense, the prefix aus jumps to the end. You would say, Ich werte die Statistiken aus. It sounds very professional and organized. You can use it for big work projects. You can also use it for small personal things. Maybe you are tracking your sleep or your budget. In both cases, you are 'auswerten'-ing.
When To Use It
You will hear this constantly in German offices. It is a staple of meeting culture. Use it when discussing marketing results or sales figures. It is also essential for university students. If you are writing a thesis, you will definitely Statistiken auswerten. Use it when you want to sound thorough. It shows you aren't just guessing. You have actually done the math. It’s great for fitness tracking too. Tell your gym buddy you are 'auswerten'-ing your personal bests.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for simple counting. If you are just checking how many beers are left, use zählen. Auswerten implies a deeper level of thinking. Also, don't use it for people's feelings in a casual way. You wouldn't 'auswerten' why your friend is sad. That sounds a bit robotic and cold. Use it for data, facts, and systematic results. Avoid it in highly emotional or poetic contexts. It is a word of the head, not the heart.
Cultural Background
Germans have a famous reputation for being precise and data-driven. There is a cultural love for 'Sachlichkeit' (objectivity). Because of this, auswerten is a very high-value word. Being able to analyze data is seen as a sign of competence. In German news, you will often hear about 'Studien auswerten'. It reflects a society that trusts logic and evidence. It’s not just about the numbers. It’s about the German desire for 'Ordnung' (order) in information.
Common Variations
You can swap 'Statistiken' for other things. Daten auswerten (evaluating data) is very common. Ergebnisse auswerten (evaluating results) is another favorite. If you are looking at a survey, use Umfragen auswerten. The verb auswerten is the star here. It can be applied to almost any collection of information. You can even Fragebögen auswerten (evaluate questionnaires). It’s a versatile tool for any organized person.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and highly versatile. It is most frequently used in professional, academic, or organized personal contexts. Be careful with the separable prefix 'aus' in simple sentences.
Use the Noun
In professional emails, use '{die|f} Auswertung'. Example: 'Anbei erhalten Sie die Auswertung der Statistiken.' It sounds very polished.
Separable Verb Trap
Remember that in the past tense (Perfekt), it's 'ausGEwertet', not 'geauswertet'.
The 'Churchill' Quote
If you want to sound like a local, mention 'Glaube keiner Statistik...' when you see a suspicious number. It's a classic German idiom.
Software Context
If you use Excel or Python, you can say: 'Ich werte {die|f} Statistiken mit Excel aus.'
Examples
7Wir müssen erst die Statistiken auswerten, bevor wir entscheiden.
We need to evaluate the statistics first before we decide.
Shows a data-driven approach to decision making.
Ich werte jeden Sonntag meine Lauf-Statistiken aus.
I evaluate my running statistics every Sunday.
A common way to describe tracking personal progress.
Für meine Masterarbeit muss ich hunderte Statistiken auswerten.
For my master's thesis, I have to evaluate hundreds of statistics.
Standard academic usage for research.
Bin am Auswerten der Zahlen. Melde mich später!
I'm currently evaluating the numbers. Will get back to you later!
Using the nominalized verb 'das Auswerten' in a text.
Ich habe die Statistiken meiner Dates ausgewertet: 0% Erfolg.
I evaluated the statistics of my dates: 0% success.
Applying a formal term to a personal situation for comedic effect.
Die Forscher werten die Statistiken der neuen Studie aus.
The researchers are evaluating the statistics of the new study.
Very formal and precise usage.
Du wertest unsere Beziehung aus, als wäre sie ein Business-Projekt!
You are evaluating our relationship as if it were a business project!
Used here to criticize someone for being too analytical and cold.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'auswerten'.
Gestern ________ der Professor {die|f} Statistiken ________.
Since it's 'Gestern' (yesterday), we need the Präteritum (wertete...aus) or Perfekt (hat...ausgewertet). Both are grammatically correct, but 'wertete...aus' is common in written reports.
Which sentence is correct?
I need to analyze the data for the meeting.
'Auswerten' is the correct professional term for analyzing data.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Sind die Ergebnisse der Studie schon da? B: Nein, wir müssen erst noch ________________.
You need to evaluate the statistics before you have the results.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are presenting your master's thesis.
This is the most academic and professional choice.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Auswerten vs. Bewerten
Practice Bank
4 exercisesGestern ________ der Professor {die|f} Statistiken ________.
Since it's 'Gestern' (yesterday), we need the Präteritum (wertete...aus) or Perfekt (hat...ausgewertet). Both are grammatically correct, but 'wertete...aus' is common in written reports.
I need to analyze the data for the meeting.
'Auswerten' is the correct professional term for analyzing data.
A: Sind die Ergebnisse der Studie schon da? B: Nein, wir müssen erst noch ________________.
You need to evaluate the statistics before you have the results.
You are presenting your master's thesis.
This is the most academic and professional choice.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, that would be 'bewerten' or 'rezensieren'. 'Auswerten' is for data.
They are similar, but 'auswerten' is more common for numerical data in a professional setting.
There isn't a direct opposite, but 'Daten ignorieren' (ignoring data) or 'Daten erheben' (collecting data) are related concepts.
It is always '{die|f} Statistik' (feminine).
Yes! 'Ich werte meine Herzfrequenz-Statistiken aus.'
Usually 'Data Scientist' (English term is common) or 'Datenanalyst'.
It is a weak verb (regular).
Yes, 'Spuren auswerten' (evaluating clues/traces) is very common in detective shows.
It's the period of time for which the data is being evaluated.
Not necessarily, but in modern times, it usually does.
Yes, 'Umfrage' (survey) is a perfect object for 'auswerten'.
Yes, it's a consultative to formal register word.
Related Phrases
Daten erheben
builds onTo collect data
Schlussfolgerungen ziehen
builds onTo draw conclusions
Zahlen interpretieren
synonymTo interpret numbers
Eine Grafik erstellen
similarTo create a chart
Empirische Forschung
specialized formEmpirical research
