unterschreibe

Unterschreibe is the first person singular present tense form of the German verb unterschreiben. It means to place one’s signature on a document, thereby confirming, accepting, or endorsing it. The basic sense covers both handwritten signing and formal authentication of a text or agreement.

Usage examples include everyday and formal contexts. In everyday language one might say, "Ich unterschreibe den Vertrag heute," while in a polite or formal context one often encounters: "Bitte unterschreiben Sie hier." The verb also appears in past forms, for example, "Ich unterschrieb den Vertrag" (simple past) or "Ich habe den Vertrag unterschrieben" (present perfect).

Conjugation highlights: Präsens—ich unterschreibe, du unterschreibst, er/sie/es unterschreibt; Präteritum—ich unterschrieb, du unterschriebst, er unterschrieb; Perfekt—ich habe unterschrieben; Partizip II—unterschrieben. The related noun is die Unterschrift, meaning the signature itself.

Etymology and nuance: unterschreiben derives from under (unter) + schreiben (to write), signaling the act of signing beneath or at the end of a document. In many contexts, unterzeichnen is a near synonym; however, unterschreiben is more common in everyday usage, whereas unterzeichnen can carry a slightly more formal or official tone.

Digital and legal context: with electronic documents, the concept extends to elektronische Unterschrift or digitale Signatur, which provide legally recognized authentication in many jurisdictions. The exact requirements and terminology for electronic signatures vary by country and legal framework.