begeistern
to inspire
To create great joy, enthusiasm, or admiration for something in someone.
EXAMPLE
Mit seiner Rede konnte er das gesamte Publikum begeistern.
With his speech, he was able to inspire the entire audience.
begeistern
to inspire / enthuse
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Meanings
sich begeistern für
to be enthusiastic about
To develop and show great interest, passion, or enthusiasm for a particular thing or activity.
EXAMPLE
Er kann sich stundenlang für alte Briefmarken begeistern.
He can be enthusiastic about old stamps for hours.
Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'begeistern' is related to the noun 'der Geist' (spirit/mind). Literally, it means to breathe 'spirit' or 'liveliness' into someone and thus awaken enthusiasm.
EXAMPLE
Seine Ideen haben eine ganze Generation begeistert.
His ideas inspired an entire generation.
Transitive vs. reflexive
There are two important sentence patterns: 'Etwas begeistert jemanden' (something inspires someone / excites someone) and 'Jemand begeistert sich für etwas' (someone becomes enthusiastic about something). Pay attention to the difference between the accusative object and the reflexive form with 'für'.
EXAMPLE
Der Film hat mich total begeistert.
The film totally inspired me.
Participle as adjective
The past participle 'begeistert' is very often used as an adjective, often in the fixed phrase 'begeistert sein von etwas (Dativ)' (to be enthusiastic about something).
EXAMPLE
Die Kritiker waren von dem neuen Album begeistert.
The critics were enthusiastic about the new album.
Inseparable verb
The prefix 'be-' is inseparable. It remains firmly attached to the verb stem in all conjugated forms and sentence positions.
EXAMPLE
Er versucht, seine Schüler für das Thema zu begeistern.
He tries to get his students excited about the topic.
Compare with
begeistern vs interessieren
to interest
Someone who sich für a topic interessiert is curious and wants to learn more about it. Someone who sich dafür begeistert shows much stronger interest, great enjoyment, or passion. interessieren therefore also works for calm curiosity, while begeistern describes a particularly enthusiastic reaction.
begeistern
Nora begeistert sich für Astronomie und beobachtet in jeder klaren Nacht den Himmel.
Nora is enthusiastic about astronomy and watches the sky every clear night.
interessieren
Nora interessiert sich für Astronomie und liest gelegentlich darüber.
Nora is interested in astronomy and occasionally reads about it.
In real life
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