Interpretier

Interpretier is the stem and, in many grammars, the informal imperative form related to the German verb interpretieren, which means to interpret, explain, or render something in a particular way. The term is used when discussing how a text, data set, or performance is understood or presented. It is not a standalone noun; the related noun is Interpretation, and the agent noun for a person who performs interpretations is Der Interpret.

Etymology and related terms: interpretieren comes from the Latin interpretari, via French and other Germanic forms, evolving into the modern German verb. Related nouns include Interpretation (the act or result of interpreting) and Interpret (a performer or artist who interprets a work). In everyday language, speakers distinguish between interpreting a text (linguistic or literary analysis), interpreting data (statistical or scientific analysis), and interpreting a musical or artistic work (creative rendition).

Usage and grammar: interpretieren is a regular -ieren verb. Its conjugation follows the typical pattern for inseparable -ieren verbs, with the infinitive interpretieren and present tense forms such as ich interpretiere, du interpretierst, er interpretiert, wir interpretieren, ihr interpretiert, sie interpretieren. The imperative form for the second person singular is usually interpreted as interpretiere! or interpretier(e)!, depending on regional or stylistic variation, while the plural imperative is interpretiert bitte! in common usage. The stem interpretier- appears in compound forms and in reference to the act of interpreting.

Contextual note: The word Interpret, capitalized, refers to a performer or artist who renders a work; Interpretationen are the various ways a work can be understood. The verb interpretieren, and its forms including interpretier-, cover analytical, evaluative, and creative senses.

See also: Interpretation, Interpret (noun), Interpretations in music and literature, German verb conjugation -ieren verbs.