verb

mitteilen

tell · inform

Einer Person etwas sagen oder schreiben, damit sie es weiß.

Definition & meaning

The verb mitteilen primarily means to inform someone of something or to pass on information. It describes the act of sharing knowledge, news, or thoughts with another person.

There are two main nuances to its use:

To inform or notify: This is the most common use, where a specific piece of information is conveyed to a recipient. For example, a company might notify an employee about a decision.
To share or open up: When used reflexively (sich mitteilen), it means to express one's inner thoughts, feelings, or needs to someone else. This implies a more personal level of communication.

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar:

mitteilen is a separable verb (trennbares Verb). In a simple present tense sentence, the prefix mit- moves to the end of the clause: Ich teile dir das Ergebnis mit (I am informing you of the result).
It typically takes a dative object for the person being informed and an accusative object for the information being shared: jemandem (Dative) etwas (Accusative) mitteilen.

Word origin: The word is composed of two parts:

mit : meaning "with".
teilen : meaning "to share" or "to divide". Etymologically, it literally means "to share with" someone, specifically regarding information or knowledge.