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
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
befriedigen
to satisfy sexually
To bring someone sexually to climax or satisfaction.
EXAMPLE
In einer gesunden Beziehung ist es wichtig, auch die sexuellen Bedürfnisse des Partners zu befriedigen.
In a healthy relationship, it is important to satisfy your partner's sexual needs too.
befriedigen
to satisfy
To find a result or performance satisfactory or sufficient. Often used in the form 'nicht befriedigend' (not satisfactory).
EXAMPLE
Das Resultat des Projekts konnte ihn nicht wirklich befriedigen.
The result of the project could not really satisfy him.
befriedigen
to settle
To settle a financial claim or demand; to pay off a creditor.
EXAMPLE
Der Schuldner konnte seine Gläubiger nicht mehr alle befriedigen.
The debtor was no longer able to settle all his creditors' claims.
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 erfüllen
to fulfill
Erfüllen and befriedigen can both refer to wishes. To fulfill a wish means to make it become reality. Satisfying a need, by contrast, emphasizes that a need is met, thereby creating satisfaction.
befriedigen
Der freie Nachmittag befriedigt ihr Bedürfnis nach Ruhe.
The free afternoon satisfies her need for peace and quiet.
erfüllen
Der freie Nachmittag erfüllt ihren Wunsch nach Ruhe.
The free afternoon fulfills her wish for peace and quiet.
In real life
Loading video examples...