verb

bestimmen

determine

Etwas genau festlegen oder entscheiden, wie es sein soll.

Definition & meaning

The verb bestimmen has several meanings depending on the context:

To determine or decide: To fix, establish, or make a final decision about something. For example, deciding on a date for a meeting or determining the price of a product.
To identify or classify: To define or recognize something by its characteristics. In scientific contexts, this often refers to identifying a species of plant or animal.
To intend or designate: To destine or set something apart for a specific purpose (often used in the passive voice).
To govern or influence: To exert a decisive influence on the course or nature of something.

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar:

Part of speech: Verb (weak/regular).
Conjugation:
- Present: ich bestimme, du bestimmst, er/sie/es bestimmt.
- Past (Präteritum): ich bestimmte.
- Past Participle (Partizip II): bestimmt.
- Auxiliary verb: haben.

Word origin: The word is derived from the prefix be- (indicating an action directed at an object) and the Middle High German stimmen (to make right, to tune, or to place). Etymologically, it relates to bringing something into a certain order or setting it to a specific standard.