lauten
Translation
to be, to read, to sound
Examples
Wie lautet die Frage?
What is the question?
Das Urteil lautet auf Freispruch.
The verdict is acquittal.
Grammar Patterns
Wie lautet ...? What is ...? Wie lautet deine Adresse?
((sth.)) lautet ... sth. is / reads ... Die Antwort lautet Ja.
((auf+4)) lauten to be for sth. (verdict) Das Urteil lautet auf Freispruch.
Similar Words
Synonyms: heißen, klingen, formuliert sein
Etymology
From 'der Laut' (the sound). It refers to how something is 'sounded' or worded.
Memory Tips
Think of a question or a verdict 'sounding out' its content. 'The question sounds as follows...' becomes 'Die Frage lautet...'