In 15 Seconds
- To repeat someone's exact words while giving them credit.
- Used in academic, professional, and precise casual contexts.
- Essential for accuracy and avoiding plagiarism in German culture.
Meaning
Using someone else's exact words to make a point or share a thought. It is like hitting the 'copy and paste' button in real-life conversation.
Key Examples
3 of 6Writing a university paper
Ich muss die Quelle korrekt zitieren.
I have to quote the source correctly.
Talking about a movie with friends
Er liebt es, Szenen aus Star Wars zu zitieren.
He loves quoting scenes from Star Wars.
In a serious meeting
Darf ich Sie dazu kurz zitieren?
May I quote you briefly on that?
Cultural Background
In Germany, 'Zitierregeln' (citation rules) are taught strictly from a young age. The country has seen major political scandals, like the 'Guttenberg affair,' where a minister resigned due to plagiarism. This makes the act of quoting correctly a matter of personal and professional integrity.
The 'Quote' Signal
In spoken German, say 'Ich zitiere...' followed by a tiny pause to let people know the next words aren't yours.
Avoid 'Falsch Zitieren'
Germans value precision. If you aren't sure of the exact words, say 'Er meinte sinngemäß...' (He said something to the effect of...).
In 15 Seconds
- To repeat someone's exact words while giving them credit.
- Used in academic, professional, and precise casual contexts.
- Essential for accuracy and avoiding plagiarism in German culture.
What It Means
zitieren is the German word for 'to quote.' It means repeating exactly what someone else said or wrote. You are giving credit to the original speaker. It is not just for dusty old books. You can zitieren your best friend, a catchy song, or a famous movie line. It is about being precise with language.
How To Use It
Using zitieren is quite straightforward because it is a regular verb. You usually say jemanden zitieren (to quote someone) or etwas zitieren (to quote something). If you want to say where the quote comes from, use the preposition aus. For example, Ich zitiere aus dem Artikel. In spoken German, you might say 'Ich zitiere:' right before you start the quote. It acts like a verbal signal for quotation marks.
When To Use It
Use this when the exact words matter. Use it in a university essay to support your argument. Use it at work when referencing a boss's instructions. You can even use it at a party. Maybe you are quoting a hilarious meme everyone knows. It is perfect for settling arguments too. 'But you said...' becomes much more powerful when you say 'Darf ich dich kurz zitieren?'. It adds a layer of authority to your speech.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use zitieren if you are just summarizing an idea. If you are telling a story in your own words, use nacherzählen or zusammenfassen. Also, avoid using it for casual gossip. Saying 'Ich zitiere meine Nachbarin' sounds a bit too formal for a quick chat over the fence. It might make you sound like a lawyer! If you are just repeating a rumor, sagen is usually enough.
Cultural Background
Germans take accuracy very seriously, especially in academic and professional life. There is a huge cultural emphasis on 'Urheberrecht' (copyright). In fact, several high-ranking German politicians have had to resign. Why? Because they failed to zitieren correctly in their doctoral theses! This has made the public very aware of the term. In Germany, being a 'Zitier-Meister' (master of quoting) is a sign of being well-read and honest.
Common Variations
You will often hear falsch zitieren, which means to misquote someone. This is a common way to start a heated debate! Another one is wörtlich zitieren, which means to quote word-for-word. If you want to quote from memory, you say aus dem Kopf zitieren. This is an impressive skill at dinner parties. Just make sure you actually get the words right!
Usage Notes
The verb is regular and takes the accusative case. It is safe to use in any context, from a legal brief to a casual text message.
The 'Quote' Signal
In spoken German, say 'Ich zitiere...' followed by a tiny pause to let people know the next words aren't yours.
Avoid 'Falsch Zitieren'
Germans value precision. If you aren't sure of the exact words, say 'Er meinte sinngemäß...' (He said something to the effect of...).
The Plagiarism Fear
Because of political scandals, Germans are very sensitive about 'Abschreiben' (copying). Always name your source to stay on the safe side!
Examples
6Ich muss die Quelle korrekt zitieren.
I have to quote the source correctly.
Standard academic usage focusing on accuracy.
Er liebt es, Szenen aus Star Wars zu zitieren.
He loves quoting scenes from Star Wars.
Casual use for hobbies and interests.
Darf ich Sie dazu kurz zitieren?
May I quote you briefly on that?
A polite way to repeat a colleague's point.
Ich zitiere deine Mutter: 'Räum dein Zimmer auf!'
I quote your mother: 'Clean your room!'
Using the verb to set up a funny imitation.
Du zitierst mich falsch, das habe ich nie gesagt.
You are quoting me wrong; I never said that.
Defending your own words in a disagreement.
Ich möchte nun ein kurzes Gedicht zitieren.
I would now like to quote a short poem.
Used for formal public speaking or ceremonies.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form of the verb to complete the sentence.
In meiner Hausarbeit ___ ich viele Experten.
The subject is 'Ich', so the verb ending must be '-e'.
Which preposition is used to indicate the source of a quote?
Ich zitiere ___ dem neuen Buch von Marc-Uwe Kling.
We use 'aus' (out of/from) when quoting from a specific text or source.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'zitieren'
Quoting a funny movie line to friends.
Filmzitate raten.
Repeating what a colleague said in a meeting.
Den Chef zitieren.
Properly citing sources in a legal or academic document.
Gesetzestexte zitieren.
Where to use 'zitieren'
University
Quoting a philosopher in an essay.
Office
Referencing a client's email.
Cinema
Repeating a famous movie catchphrase.
Courtroom
Quoting a witness statement.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesIn meiner Hausarbeit ___ ich viele Experten.
The subject is 'Ich', so the verb ending must be '-e'.
Ich zitiere ___ dem neuen Buch von Marc-Uwe Kling.
We use 'aus' (out of/from) when quoting from a specific text or source.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, you can use it for spoken words too. For example, Er zitiert ständig seinen Vater means he is always repeating his father's sayings.
sagen is just 'to say.' zitieren implies you are repeating the exact wording of someone else.
Absolutely! You can say Ich zitiere meinen Lieblingssong before singing or reciting a line.
It is neutral. It is used in serious academic papers but also in casual jokes with friends.
It means to misquote someone. This is often used when someone feels their words were twisted.
The noun is das Zitat. For example, Das ist ein schönes Zitat (That is a beautiful quote).
Not really, but people might say nachplappern if they want to mock someone for mindlessly repeating what others say.
Yes, in writing, Anführungszeichen (quotation marks) are mandatory to show where the quote starts and ends.
Yes, you can eine Webseite zitieren just like you would a book or a person.
It means to quote from memory. Er kann den ganzen Hamlet aus dem Kopf zitieren (He can quote all of Hamlet from memory).
Related Phrases
das Zitat (the quote)
wiederholen (to repeat)
anführen (to cite/mention)
belegen (to prove/substantiate with evidence)
die Quelle (the source)
