lauten
Translation
to be, to read, to go, to be worded
Examples
Wie lautet die Adresse?
What is the address?
Das Motto lautet: Immer positiv bleiben.
The motto is: Always stay positive.
Das Urteil lautet auf Freispruch.
The verdict is acquittal.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) lautet ... sth. is / reads ... The title of the book is 'The Stranger'.
((sth.)) lautet auf+4 sth. is for ... (legal) The verdict is for life imprisonment.
Similar Words
Synonyms: heißen (to be called), klingen (to sound)
Etymology
Related to the noun 'der Laut' (the sound). The meaning evolved from 'to make a sound' to 'to be worded' or 'to be read out'.
Memory Tips
Imagine asking how a rule or message 'sounds' when read aloud. 'Wie lautet die Regel?' means 'What is the rule?'