to fuel / stoke
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to fuel
To stoke, strengthen, or intensify something, often something abstract such as a debate, a conflict, or the economy. It acts like a catalyst that accelerates a development.
Die neuen Gerüchte befeuern die Spekulationen über einen Rücktritt des Ministers.
The new rumors are fueling speculation about the minister’s resignation.
'Befeuern' (to fuel/stoke) is an inseparable verb because it has the prefix 'be-'. The prefix remains firmly attached to the verb 'feuern' in all sentence forms and tenses.
Die positive Kritik hat seinen Wunsch, weiterzumachen, befeuert.
The positive criticism fueled his desire to keep going.
You can tell whether the literal or figurative meaning is intended from the object. If it is something concrete like 'Ofen' (stove) or 'Kamin' (fireplace), it is about fire. If it is something abstract like 'Debatte' (debate) or 'Konflikt' (conflict), the figurative meaning 'verstärken' (to strengthen/intensify) is meant.
Er befeuert den Kamin mit trockenem Holz.
He stokes the fireplace with dry wood.
In the figurative meaning, 'befeuern' (to fuel) is often combined with abstract nouns. Common combinations are 'eine Debatte befeuern' (to fuel a debate), 'einen Konflikt befeuern' (to fuel a conflict), 'die Fantasie befeuern' (to fire the imagination), or 'das Wirtschaftswachstum befeuern' (to fuel economic growth).
Die Rede des Politikers befeuerte den Streit nur noch mehr.
The politician’s speech only fueled the dispute even more.
If you want to name the fuel in the literal meaning, use the preposition 'mit' followed by the dative. You stoke something (accusative) with something (dative).
Früher befeuerte man die Lokomotiven mit Kohle.
In the past, locomotives were stoked with coal.
to strengthen / reinforce / amplify
'verstärken' and 'befeuern' can both say that something becomes more intense. 'verstärken' is neutral and very general. You can use it to describe many kinds of effects, feelings, or developments. 'befeuern' is more figurative and often sounds livelier or stronger. It is especially suitable when something drives a debate, a conflict, or a development and makes it faster or more intense. 'verstärken' only says: it becomes stronger. 'befeuern' adds the idea that it receives new momentum.
Die neuen Gerüchte befeuern die Diskussion im Team.
The new rumors are fueling the discussion within the team.
Der starke Wind verstärkt das Gefühl von Kälte.
The strong wind intensifies the feeling of cold.