01
belasten
to burden
To put someone under psychological or emotional pressure or cause them worry.
example
Die ständige Ungewissheit über seine Zukunft belastet ihn sehr.
The constant uncertainty about his future is burdening him greatly.
belasten
to burden / charge
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
'Belasten' (to burden/load/charge) is an inseparable verb derived from 'die Last' (the burden/load). The prefix 'be-' turns it into a verb meaning 'to place a burden on something or someone.'
EXAMPLE
Diese schwere Kiste belastet den Tisch zu sehr.
This heavy box is putting too much weight on the table.
Sentence structure and usage
The verb 'belasten' (to burden/load/charge) always requires an accusative object (burden whom or what?). The cause or means of the burden is often introduced with the preposition 'mit' (with).
EXAMPLE
Der Skandal hat den Ruf des Politikers stark belastet.
The scandal seriously damaged the politician's reputation.
Context clue: abstract vs. concrete
The meaning of 'belasten' (to burden/load/charge) depends strongly on context. It can be a concrete burden (weight, money, pollutants) or an abstract one (worries, guilt, stress). Pay attention to the nouns in the sentence to recognize the meaning.
EXAMPLE
Die Sorgen um seinen Job belasten ihn sehr. (abstrakt)
The worries about his job are burdening him greatly. (abstract)
Typical collocations (emotional)
In a psychological context, 'belasten' (to burden) is often used with people or relationships as the object. Typical formulations are 'jemanden seelisch belasten' (to burden someone emotionally), 'eine Freundschaft belasten' (to strain a friendship), or 'eine Situation belastet jemanden' (a situation burdens someone).
EXAMPLE
Der Streit hat ihre Freundschaft schwer belastet.
The argument seriously strained their friendship.
Context: finance
In a financial context, the object is almost always 'das Konto' (the account) or 'die Kreditkarte' (the credit card). It means that money is debited.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Einkauf wurde meine Kreditkarte mit 200 Euro belastet.
After the purchase, my credit card was charged 200 euros.
Context: law
In a legal context, 'belasten' (to incriminate) means to accuse someone through a statement or evidence. Signal words are 'Zeuge' (witness), 'Angeklagter' (defendant), 'Aussage' (statement), or 'Beweise' (evidence).
EXAMPLE
Die neuen Beweise belasten den Verdächtigen schwer.
The new evidence seriously incriminates the suspect.
Context: environment
In an environmental context, 'belasten' (to pollute/burden) means to contaminate something with pollutants. Typical objects are 'die Umwelt' (the environment), 'die Luft' (the air), 'das Wasser' (the water), or 'der Boden' (the soil).
EXAMPLE
Pestizide belasten das Grundwasser und die Böden.
Pesticides pollute the groundwater and the soil.
Compare with
belasten vs schaffen
to manage / create
'jemandem zu schaffen machen' and 'belasten' can both express that something is difficult for a person and causes worry or pressure. 'belasten' says more directly that someone is under psychological or emotional pressure. 'zu schaffen machen' often sounds a bit more everyday and describes something strongly occupying someone or causing them problems. For example, you can say: 'Der Stress belastet mich' (The stress is burdening me) or 'Der Stress macht mir zu schaffen' (The stress is really troubling me). Both fit with worries, illness, work, or personal problems.
belasten
Vor der Prüfung belastet mich der Streit mit meiner Freundin besonders.
Before the exam, the argument with my girlfriend is weighing on me especially heavily.
schaffen
Die ständigen Reparaturen in der Wohnung machen der Familie sehr zu schaffen.
The constant repairs in the apartment are really troubling the family.
In real life
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