German Conversation · Level 107
57 words
German word
ernennen
Pronunciation
IPA/ɛɐ̯ˈnɛnən/
Meaning
- verbappoint
Example
Der Präsident ernennt ihn zum Minister.
The president appoints him as minister.
More examples
Der Geschäftsführer ernennt ihn zum Chef.
The managing director appoints him as boss.
Core concept
A president signs a decree that places one person's name under a ministerial office.
Common phrases
jemanden zum Chef ernennen
appoint someone as boss
jemanden zum Stellvertreter ernennen
appoint someone as deputy
Similar words
anstellen: Employ someone as a staff member under an employment agreement.
einstellen: Formally hire someone to work for a company or organization.
bestellen: Designate someone for a specific post through an organization's procedures.
Definition in German
jemanden formell durch eine Autorität zu einem Amt oder einer Aufgabe bestimmen
Word origin
The verb combines the inseparable prefix "er-" with German "nennen" ("name" or "call") and developed the sense of formally naming someone for an office or task.
Usage tips
- The usual construction is "jemanden zu etwas ernennen", as in "ihn zum Minister"; the person is accusative and the office follows "zu".