sicherzustellen

Sicherzustellen is the infinitive form of the German verb sicherstellen, which means to ensure, to make sure that something happens or that a condition is met. It is used in both everyday language and formal writing to describe the act of guaranteeing an outcome or securing a required state.

Usage and grammar

The verb is followed by clauses that state the intended result, often introduced by dass or by direct context. Examples: Ich stelle sicher, dass die Türen abgeschlossen sind. Es ist sicherzustellen, dass alle Unterlagen vorhanden sind. Conjugation in the present tense: ich stelle sicher, du stellst sicher, er/sie/es stellt sicher, wir stellen sicher, ihr stellt sicher, sie stellen sicher. The past participle is sichergestellt, used with haben: Ich habe sichergestellt, dass alles vorbereitet ist. The expression is common in administrative, legal, and project-management language due to its emphasis on compliance and duty.

Related forms and meaning

Sicherstellen is closely related to Sicherstellung, the noun meaning the act or process of ensuring, or the provision of something. It is distinct from synonyms like gewährleistet sein (to be guaranteed), vergewissern (to ascertain), or schützen (to protect); sicherstellen focuses on achieving a specific condition or outcome.

Etymology and usage notes

The word combines sicher (certain, safe) with stellen (to place, to set), forming a fixed verbal compound. It is widely used in formal and semi-formal registers, particularly when outlining procedures, requirements, or quality checks.

Examples in context

- Die Prüfung wurde durchgeführt, um sicherzustellen, dass alle Kriterien erfüllt sind.

- Es muss sichergestellt werden, dass Daten sicher gespeichert werden.