All German word comparisons · Back to the topic overview
Meaning, sentence patterns and examples
| Word | Core meaning | Typical context | Grammar |
|---|---|---|---|
| bedeuten | Have a meaning; signify | A word, symbol, consequence or importance | No separable prefix; bedeutet; hat bedeutet |
| heißen | Be called; mean | Names, labels, wording and equivalent expressions | No separable prefix; heißt; hieß; hat geheißen |
| meinen | Mean or intend; think | A speaker's point, intention or opinion | No separable prefix; etwas meinen; hat gemeint |
bedeuten
Meaning and usage: Use it to explain what a sign or word conveys. It also describes consequences or importance. A person's presence can mean a great deal to you, without any linguistic definition being involved.
Grammar: The meaning can appear as a phrase or a dass-clause. Importance often uses a dative person: das bedeutet mir viel. The prefix be- stays attached; the perfect is hat bedeutet.
Was bedeutet dieses Symbol auf dem Display?
What does this symbol on the display mean?
Deine Hilfe bedeutet mir viel.
Your help means a lot to me.
heißen
Meaning and usage: For a name, ask Wie heißt du? For a German label or translation, ask Wie heißt das auf Deutsch? Heißen can also overlap with bedeuten when you ask what wording means, rather than simply naming an object.
Grammar: Names and labels act as complements, not as something the subject deliberately names. Forms: heißt, hieß, hat geheißen. In das heißt, the phrase introduces an explanation: 'that is' or 'in other words'.
Wie heißt dieses Werkzeug auf Deutsch?
What is this tool called in German?
Der Laden ist geschlossen, das heißt, wir müssen morgen wiederkommen.
The shop is closed; that means we'll have to come back tomorrow.
meinen
Meaning and usage: Ask Was meinst du? when you want the other person's point or opinion. With a statement or clause, it can mean thinking something is true. With an adverb such as ironisch, it concerns the intention behind the words.
Grammar: An accusative object is possible: das meine ich. Opinions can use a dass-clause or another reported statement. Forms: meint, meinte, hat gemeint.
Ich habe das nicht ironisch gemeint.
I didn't mean that ironically.
Ich meine, dass wir früher losfahren sollten.
I think we should leave earlier.
Overlap and context
Was heißt das? and Was bedeutet das? can both ask for an explanation. Was meinst du damit? shifts attention to the speaker's intended point. A useful distinction can exist even when more than one verb fits.
Common mistakes
- For somebody's name, ask Wie heißt du?, rather than Was bedeutest du?
- Do not replace meinen with bedeuten when explaining your own intended message.
Memory aid: Bedeuten: the meaning. Heißen: the name or wording. Meinen: the person's point.
Try it
You did not understand a friend's intended point. Complete: Was ___ du damit?
Show the answer
meinst
The question asks what your friend intends to communicate, so meinen fits.