to rescue / to contain
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to rescue
To rescue someone or something from a dangerous situation or bring them to safety, often after an accident or disaster.
Die Rettungskräfte konnten den verletzten Bergsteiger aus der Gletscherspalte bergen.
The rescue workers were able to rescue the injured mountaineer from the crevasse.
The verb 'bergen' (to rescue / to contain) is closely related to the adjective 'geborgen' (safe / protected). The act of 'Bergen' therefore leads to the state of 'Geborgenheit' (a feeling of safety and security).
Nach der Rettung fühlte sich das Kind in den Armen seiner Mutter geborgen.
After the rescue, the child felt safe in its mother's arms.
'Bergen' (to rescue / to contain) is a strong verb. Pay attention to the vowel change in the 2nd and 3rd person singular in the present tense: 'e' becomes 'i'. So it is 'du birgst' and 'er/sie/es birgt'.
Diese alte Kiste birgt vielleicht einen Schatz.
This old chest may contain a treasure.
You can recognize the meaning of 'bergen' (to rescue / to contain) from the object. If it is about concrete people or objects in danger, it means 'to rescue'. If it is about abstract things like risks or opportunities, it means 'to contain'.
Die Feuerwehr konnte die Katze vom Baum bergen.
The fire department was able to rescue the cat from the tree.
The meaning 'in sich enthalten' (to contain within itself) is stylistically elevated and is used especially in written language or formal contexts. Typical objects are abstract nouns.
Der Plan birgt ein hohes finanzielles Risiko.
The plan contains a high financial risk.
to contain / abstain
'enthalten' and 'bergen' can both express that something is inside something else. 'enthalten' is the normal, neutral word for components or contents, for example with texts, food, or packages. 'bergen' in this meaning sounds more elevated and is often used when something is not immediately visible, such as a risk, an opportunity, or a secret. Learners may confuse the words because both can mean 'to have within itself'. In everyday language, 'enthalten' is usually more natural; 'bergen' is more suited to abstract or more serious statements.
Der alte Keller birgt noch viele Geheimnisse.
The old cellar still holds many secrets.
Die Suppe enthält viel Gemüse und nur wenig Salz.
The soup contains lots of vegetables and very little salt.