to absorb
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to absorb
To take in substances, liquids, energy, or waves (such as light or sound) and not reflect them or let them pass through.
Der spezielle Schaumstoff absorbiert den Schall sehr effektiv.
The special foam absorbs sound very effectively.
'Absorbieren' (to absorb) is a verb ending in '-ieren'. Such verbs often come from other languages, are always conjugated regularly (weakly), and are inseparable. So the prefix always stays attached to the verb.
Der dunkle Stoff absorbierte das gesamte Licht.
The dark fabric absorbed all the light.
This word belongs to an elevated, rather formal style of language. It is often found in scientific, technical, or economic texts.
Die Analyse der Daten absorbierte den größten Teil seiner Arbeitszeit.
Analyzing the data absorbed most of his working time.
The object of the verb makes the meaning clear. Physical things like 'Licht' (light) or 'Schall' (sound) point to the literal meaning, while abstract things like 'Zeit' (time) or 'Aufmerksamkeit' (attention) point to the figurative meaning.
Eine schwarze Oberfläche absorbiert Wärme am besten.
A black surface absorbs heat best.
In its literal, physical meaning, 'absorbieren' is often combined with forms of energy or substances: 'Licht absorbieren' (to absorb light), 'Wärme absorbieren' (to absorb heat), 'Schall absorbieren' (to absorb sound), or 'Flüssigkeit absorbieren' (to absorb liquid).
Der Schwamm kann eine große Menge Wasser absorbieren.
The sponge can absorb a large amount of water.
to record / take in
'aufnehmen' and 'absorbieren' can both mean that something goes into a substance or body. 'aufnehmen' is more general and sounds more natural in everyday language, for example with water, nutrients, or information. 'absorbieren' is more precise and often more technical: it means that a substance takes in liquid, energy, light, or sound and does not give it back. In normal conversations, people often say 'aufnehmen'; in science, technology, or when talking about materials, 'absorbieren' fits better.
Der dunkle Stoff absorbiert das Licht stärker als der helle Stoff.
The dark fabric absorbs light more strongly than the light-colored fabric.
Die Pflanze nimmt nach dem Gießen viel Wasser auf.
After being watered, the plant absorbs a lot of water.