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.
to absorb
To completely take up a person's attention, time, or energy.
Die Vorbereitung auf das Examen absorbierte ihre ganze Kraft.
Preparing for the exam absorbed all her strength.
to absorb
To integrate and take in a smaller unit, for example a company or group, into a larger one.
Der Großkonzern hat das innovative Start-up schnell absorbiert.
The large corporation quickly absorbed the innovative start-up.
'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 both refer to taking in a substance. Aufnehmen is the more general term. Absorbieren sounds more technical and emphasizes that a substance, liquid, or energy penetrates something and is not given back or allowed to pass through.
Im Labor wird geprüft, wie vollständig der Verband die Flüssigkeit absorbiert.
The laboratory is testing how completely the bandage absorbs the fluid.
Der Verband nimmt die Flüssigkeit aus der Wunde auf.
The bandage absorbs the fluid from the wound.
