01
befriedigen
to satisfy
To fulfill a need, wish, or requirement and thereby create satisfaction.
example
Ein Glas Wasser befriedigte seinen Durst.
A glass of water satisfied his thirst.
befriedigen
to satisfy
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The verb 'befriedigen' (to satisfy) is related to the noun 'der Frieden' (peace). It literally means to create a state of peace or satisfaction by meeting a need or making up for a lack.
EXAMPLE
Ein gutes Buch kann das Bedürfnis nach Unterhaltung befriedigen.
A good book can satisfy the need for entertainment.
Inseparable verb
The prefix 'be-' is inseparable. It remains firmly attached to the verb stem in all tenses and sentence constructions.
EXAMPLE
Seine Antwort hat meine Neugier nicht befriedigt.
His answer did not satisfy my curiosity.
Typical collocations
In this meaning, 'befriedigen' (to satisfy) is often combined with abstract nouns. Typical phrases are: 'Bedürfnisse befriedigen' (to satisfy needs), 'die Nachfrage befriedigen' (to meet demand), 'die Neugier befriedigen' (to satisfy curiosity), or 'Ansprüche befriedigen' (to satisfy demands/requirements).
EXAMPLE
Das neue Produkt soll die hohe Nachfrage der Kunden befriedigen.
The new product is intended to meet customers' high demand.
Adjectival use
The present participle 'befriedigend' (satisfactory) is very often used as an adjective to evaluate a performance or result. It appears especially often in the negative form 'nicht befriedigend' (not satisfactory).
EXAMPLE
Sein Testergebnis war nur befriedigend.
His test result was only satisfactory.
Register: technical language
The meaning 'einen Gläubiger bezahlen' (to pay a creditor) belongs to the technical language of finance and law. It is rarely used in everyday speech.
EXAMPLE
Das Unternehmen konnte die Forderungen seiner Gläubiger nicht mehr befriedigen.
The company could no longer settle its creditors' claims.
Compare with
befriedigen vs bezahlen
to pay
'bezahlen' and 'befriedigen' can both refer to financial claims. 'bezahlen' is the normal everyday word: you pay a bill, a purchase, or a debt. 'befriedigen' sounds much more formal in this sense and is mainly used with claims or creditors. It means that a financial claim is settled. In everyday life, people almost always say 'bezahlen'. 'befriedigen' is more suitable for legal, business, or official situations.
befriedigen
Nach dem Verkauf der Firma konnten alle Gläubiger befriedigt werden.
After the sale of the company, all creditors' claims could be settled.
bezahlen
Im Restaurant bezahlt ihr die Rechnung nach dem Essen.
At the restaurant, you pay the bill after the meal.
In real life
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