German word

ermitteln

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛɐ̯ˈmɪtl̩n/

Meaning

  • verbinvestigate

Example

Die Polizei ermittelt den Fall.

The police are investigating the case.

Illustration for ermitteln (investigate)

More examples

Bevor ich anrufe, muss ich die Telefonnummer ermitteln.

Before I call, I have to look up the phone number.

Core concept

A methodical inquiry turns uncertain evidence or calculations into a clear answer.

Common phrases

  • die Telefonnummer ermitteln

    look up the phone number

  • den Preis ermitteln

    calculate the price

  • die Öffnungszeiten ermitteln

    find out the opening hours

Similar words

herausfinden: To find an answer or piece of information through research or inquiry.
untersuchen: To examine something closely to identify its cause or detect an abnormality.
feststellen: To establish a fact or result with certainty from evidence or records.

Definition in German

Etwas durch gezielte Untersuchung und Auswertung feststellen oder bestimmen.

Word origin

Ermitteln developed in German from mittel or mitteln with er-, a formation that came to express arriving at a determined result.

Usage tips

  • The construction in einem Fall ermitteln means investigate a case, whereas etwas ermitteln commonly means determine or calculate a result.

Other meanings

  • identifyverb
  • calculateverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word