orientieren
Translation
to orient, to guide, to find one's bearings, to inform
Examples
Ich muss mich erst orientieren.
I have to get my bearings first.
Wir orientieren uns an den Sternen.
We orient ourselves by the stars.
Er orientierte sie über die Lage.
He informed her about the situation.
Grammar Patterns
sichAkk orientieren to get one's bearings Ich muss mich erst orientieren.
sichAkk an+3 orientieren to orient oneself by sth. Wir orientieren uns an den Sternen.
j-n über+4 orientieren to inform sb. about sth. Er orientierte sie über die Lage.
Similar Words
Synonyms: to align, to find one's way; Antonyms: to get lost, to become disoriented
Etymology
From Latin 'oriens' (rising, east), referring to the rising sun, which was used for direction.
Memory Tips
Think of the English word 'orientation', which is about finding your position or direction in a new place.