German word

feststellen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈfɛstˌʃtɛlən/

Meaning

  • verbconfirm

Example

Ich stelle fest, dass die Tür offen ist.

I confirm that the door is open.

Illustration for feststellen (confirm)

More examples

Beim Lesen des Textes konnte ich keinen Fehler feststellen.

While reading the text, I couldn't identify an error.

Core concept

A careful observer pins a situation down as a fact that can be stated with confidence.

Common phrases

  • etwas feststellen

    determine something

  • einen Fehler feststellen

    identify an error

Similar words

merken: To notice a change or fact through the senses or focused attention.
herausfinden: To find out unknown information through investigation or practical attempts.
bestätigen: To confirm that information is accurate or that an event occurred.
entdecken: To discover a previously unknown thing or fact.

Definition in German

Etwas durch Beobachtung oder Vergleich erkennen und als gesicherten Sachverhalt formulieren.

Word origin

German feststellen combines fest, meaning "firm," with stellen, meaning "to place," forming a verb for fixing an observation as settled.

Usage tips

  • In a main clause, the prefix separates: Ich stelle fest, dass ...; with a modal or infinitive, it stays attached as feststellen.

Other meanings

  • find outverb
  • determineverb
  • noticeverb

Opposites

Related words

  • festgestelltestablishedadjective

Word lists with this word