verb

nennen

call

Jemandem sagen, wie etwas oder jemand heißt.

Definition & meaning

The verb nennen has two primary meanings in German:

To name or call: This is used when assigning a name to someone or something, or when referring to how someone or something is addressed (e.g., "What is his name?"). It is also used when referring to someone by a specific title or label.
To mention or state: This is used when listing items, naming facts, citing reasons, or referring to someone or something during a conversation or in a document.

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar:

Verb type: Irregular (strong) verb.
Conjugation: nennen (infinitive) – nannte (simple past) – genannt (past participle).
Usage: It is a transitive verb that typically takes the accusative case. When used in the sense of "to call/name," it often requires two accusative objects (e.g., "Ich nenne ihn einen Freund" - I call him a friend).

Origin: The word originates from the Old High German nennian, derived from the Proto-Germanic nannjan. It shares the same linguistic root as the English word "name."

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

Bezeichnen nennen: To designate or describe something.
Erwähnen nennen: To mention something briefly.
Aufzählen nennen: To list or enumerate items.
Benennen nennen: To give a name to something or specify a person for a task.
Betiteln nennen: To give a title to something.