This is the 4497th most frequent German word.
meldeten
"Reported" or "announced."
The word 'meldeten' here is used in the sense of formally registering or expressing willingness for participation.
Die Schüler meldeten sich, um am Projekt teilzunehmen.
The students signed up to participate in the project.
The word 'meldeten' in this context signifies the act of informing or noting an event to authorities.
Sie meldeten den Vorfall sofort der Polizei.
They reported the incident to the police immediately.
The word 'meldeten' is used here to communicate someone's status (being sick) formally to relevant parties, like an employer.