zählen
Translation
to count, to matter, to rely on, to rank among
Examples
Kannst du bis zehn zählen?
Can you count to ten?
Jede Stimme zählt.
Every vote counts.
Ich zähle auf deine Hilfe.
I'm counting on your help.
Er zählt zu den besten Spielern.
He ranks among the best players.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to count ((sth.)) He counts the money.
((auf sb./sth.)) to count on ((sb./sth.)) You can count on me.
((zu sth.)) to rank among ((sth.)) She counts among the best.
als ((sth.)) to count as ((sth.)) This counts as a success.
Similar Words
Synonyms: rechnen, berechnen; Antonyms: schätzen
Etymology
From Old High German 'zelen' (to relate, tell), related to English 'to tell' (in the sense of recounting).
Memory Tips
Think of 'telling' numbers one by one. The phrase 'zählen auf' is like 'counting on' someone, as if they are a number you can rely on.