wählen
Translation
to vote, to choose, to elect, to select
Examples
Er wählte die CDU.
He voted for the CDU.
Sie wählte das rote Kleid.
She chose the red dress.
Man wählte ihn zum Präsidenten.
He was elected president.
Grammar Patterns
((sb./sth.)) to choose/vote for sb./sth. He chose the blue car.
((sb.)) ((zu+3)) to elect sb. as sth. They elected her as mayor.
Similar Words
Synonyms: aussuchen (to pick out), sich entscheiden (to decide); Antonyms: ablehnen (to reject)
Etymology
From Old High German 'wellen' (to want), related to 'Wille' (will).
Memory Tips
Think of what you 'will' or want to happen – you 'wählen' (vote/choose) for it.