to convert
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to convert
To convince someone to adopt a new religion, worldview, or fundamental belief.
Er versuchte, seine Freunde zum Veganismus zu bekehren, indem er ihnen die Vorteile erklärte.
He tried to convert his friends to veganism by explaining the benefits to them.
'Bekehren' (to convert) is an inseparable verb with the prefix 'be-'. The word stem is connected to 'kehren' (to turn, to turn around). To 'bekehren' someone therefore means to “turn around” their opinion or faith.
Er ließ sich nicht von seiner Meinung abbringen.
He would not be dissuaded from his opinion.
Using it with or without a reflexive pronoun changes the meaning completely. 'Jemanden bekehren' means to convince another person. 'Sich bekehren' means that you yourself adopt a new belief.
Der Missionar wollte die Einheimischen bekehren.
The missionary wanted to convert the locals.
The new religion or belief that someone converts to is always introduced with the preposition 'zu' and the dative.
Sie versuchte, ihn zum Tierschutz zu bekehren.
She tried to convert him to animal welfare.
When you say 'jemanden bekehren' (to convert someone), it can have a slightly negative or pushy connotation. It often implies that someone is trying hard to impose their own opinion.
Bitte versuch nicht, mich bei jeder Gelegenheit zu deiner politischen Sicht zu bekehren.
Please don't try to convert me to your political view at every opportunity.
to convince
'überzeugen' and 'bekehren' can both mean that someone adopts a new belief. However, 'überzeugen' is much more general: it fits opinions, plans, decisions, or arguments in everyday life. 'bekehren' is used only when it is about a very fundamental change, especially in religion, worldview, or firmly held beliefs. It sounds much stronger and often also somewhat solemn or critical. The words can be confused because in both cases a person’s opinion is changed. If it is only about a normal decision, 'überzeugen' is correct. 'Bekehren' fits only when a person’s whole attitude changes deeply.
Nach vielen Gesprächen bekehrt sich Paul zu einer neuen Religion.
After many conversations, Paul converts to a new religion.
Nach dem Unterricht überzeugt mich deine Erklärung von der Lösung.
After class, your explanation convinces me of the solution.