to enliven / revive
Loading your saved state.
to enliven
To make something livelier, more active, or more interesting. This can refer to a place, a discussion, trade, or the economy.
Die neue Fußgängerzone soll die Innenstadt beleben.
The new pedestrian zone is intended to enliven the city center.
The verb is made up of the prefix 'be-' and the noun 'Leben' (life). The prefix 'be-' turns it into a transitive verb: you give something or someone (more) life.
Neue Geschäfte sollen die leere Hauptstraße beleben.
New shops are intended to enliven the empty main street.
'Beleben' (to enliven / revive) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'be-' remains firmly attached to the verb in all sentence forms and tenses and is not placed at the end of the sentence.
Die Musik belebte die Stimmung auf der Feier.
The music enlivened the mood at the party.
When 'beleben' (to enliven) refers to abstract things like a city, a discussion, or the economy, it means 'to make livelier.' If it refers to a lifeless body, the literal meaning 'to bring back to life' is intended.
Ein Straßenfest belebt die Nachbarschaft.
A street festival enlivens the neighborhood.
In a figurative sense, 'beleben' (to enliven) is often used with abstract nouns. Typical combinations are: 'die Wirtschaft beleben' (to stimulate the economy), 'den Markt beleben' (to stimulate the market), 'eine Diskussion beleben' (to enliven a discussion), or 'die Sinne beleben' (to invigorate the senses).
Eine kontroverse Frage kann eine langweilige Diskussion beleben.
A controversial question can enliven a boring discussion.
to activate
'aktivieren' and 'beleben' can both mean that more activity is created. 'aktivieren' fits especially when people are deliberately motivated to do something or get involved. 'beleben' is used more when something seems livelier, more interesting, or more active, for example a place, a discussion, or trade. The words can be confused because both express more movement or energy. 'aktivieren' sounds more goal-oriented, while 'beleben' describes more the positive effect on a situation.
Musik und kleine Stände beleben den Marktplatz am Abend.
Music and small stalls enliven the market square in the evening.
Die neue Aufgabe aktiviert auch die stillen Teilnehmer im Kurs.
The new task also mobilizes the quiet participants in the course.