nennen

Nennen is a German verb meaning to name, to call, to mention, or to designate. It is used when someone assigns a name or a designation to a person, thing, or concept, or when something is named or identified in speech or writing. The verb can also be used in sense of nominating or identifying someone or something in a particular role or label.

Grammatical notes: Nennen is a transitive verb that takes a direct object in the accusative. In predicative constructions, it can be followed by a second accusative noun phrase that states the name or designation, as in Sie nannte ihn ihren Lehrer (“She called him her teacher”). The verb forms without a separable prefix and follows regular weak endings in the present and simple past, with a strong past participle: hat genannt.

Conjugation (selected forms):

- Present: ich nenne, du nennst, er nennt, wir nennen, ihr nennt, sie nennen.

- Preterite: ich nannte, du nanntest, er nannte, wir nannten, ihr nanntet, sie nannten.

- Perfect: ich habe genannt, du hast genannt, er hat genannt, wir haben genannt, ihr habt genannt, sie haben genannt.

Usage and nuance: Nennen is common in everyday speech, journalism, and formal writing. It often contrasts with heißen, which refers more to the official or established name of someone or something, while nennen emphasizes the act of assigning or calling by a name or term. Examples: Der Bericht nennt drei Gründe. Man nennt ihn den neuen Vorstand.

Etymology and related terms: The verb derives from Old High German nennen and shares ancestry with related Germanic terms for “to name.” Related nouns and phrases include Bezeichnung (designation) and der Name (the name).