German word

fungieren

Pronunciation

IPA/fʊŋˈgiːʁən/

Meaning

  • verbserve as

Example

Sie fungiert als Beraterin für das Projekt.

She serves as an adviser for the project.

Illustration for fungieren (serve as)

More examples

Das Komitee fungiert als Vermittler in dem Konflikt.

The committee serves as a mediator in the conflict.

Core concept

A named role being carried out in practice rather than merely held, whether by a person or an object.

Common phrases

  • als Vermittler fungieren

    serve as a mediator

  • als Ansprechpartner fungieren

    serve as a contact person

  • als Bindeglied fungieren

    serve as a link

Similar words

dienen: Be useful by providing support or service to a person or organization.
übernehmen: Assume responsibility for a role or task and carry it forward.
vertreten: Officially act or speak on behalf of a person or organization.

Definition in German

Eine Person oder Sache in einer Rolle oder Funktion sein und diese ausüben

Word origin

The German verb is borrowed from Latin fungor, fungi, whose meanings include performing a task and carrying out a function.

Usage tips

  • Fungieren is more formal than ordinary English serve as, so it is common in administrative, technical, and professional language.

Other meanings

  • functionverb

Related words

Word lists with this word