The verb "gelten" is often translated into English as "to apply," "to be valid," "to be considered," or "to count," and its nuances emerge in specific grammatical constructions and contexts.
At its core, "gelten" often refers to the validity or applicability of rules, laws, or norms. For example, in the sentence Dieses Gesetz gilt ab nächstem Jahr ("This law will apply starting next year"), "gelten" communicates that a regulation or principle is in force. Similarly, you might encounter phrases like Die Regeln gelten für alle ("The rules apply to everyone"), emphasizing the inclusive nature of the rule's applicability. When discussing such scenarios, alternatives such as "anwenden" (to apply something actively) or "zutreffen" (to pertain or be relevant) could be used, though these carry slightly different connotations. "Anwenden" is more suited for actions performed by a person, while "zutreffen" is used for specific circumstances or cases.
Another common meaning of "gelten" relates to being considered or regarded as something. For instance, in Er gilt als Experte in seinem Bereich ("He is considered an expert in his field"), "gelten" expresses the perception or reputation of an individual. Here, the phrase conveys how someone is viewed by others. Alternatives like "betrachten" (to regard) or "angesehen werden als" (to be seen as) could substitute "gelten," though these tend to emphasize the act of observation or opinion-forming more explicitly. For example, Er wird als Experte angesehen has a slightly more formal tone compared to Er gilt als Experte.
In some contexts, "gelten" can mean "to count" or "to matter." A simple example is Deine Meinung gilt viel für mich ("Your opinion matters a lot to me"), where "gelten" emphasizes the value or weight of someone’s opinion. Synonyms like "zählen" (to count) or "wichtig sein" (to be important) might fit depending on the context, but "zählen" focuses more on quantitative significance, and "wichtig sein" is a direct statement of importance, lacking the nuanced undertone of perceived worth that "gelten" can convey.
A distinct usage arises in expressions of intent or directed effort, particularly in phrases like Das gilt dir ("This is meant for you"). In this case, "gelten" implies that something is directed toward someone or something, highlighting the intended recipient or purpose. There are fewer direct synonyms in this context, though constructions like Das ist für dich bestimmt (This is intended for you) or Das richtet sich an dich (This is directed at you) could approximate the meaning, albeit in slightly more formal language.
The verb "gelten" often appears in idiomatic or set expressions as well. One example is Es gilt, keine Zeit zu verlieren ("It's important not to lose any time"), where "gelten" frames a necessity or urgency. Here, no straightforward alternative exists without rephrasing, as the phrase is tightly bound to its idiomatic structure.
Conjugating "gelten" follows an irregular pattern, with forms like "gilt" in the third-person singular present tense and "galt" in the preterite. This irregularity is worth noting, as it frequently appears in both spoken and written German. The past participle "gegolten" is often encountered in the present perfect tense, as in Das hat immer als richtig gegolten ("That has always been considered correct").