to rescue / to contain
Loading your saved state.
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.
to contain
To contain or conceal something within itself; to have a potential or quality. This meaning is rather elevated or literary.
Die Situation birgt sowohl große Risiken als auch enorme Chancen.
The situation contains both great risks and enormous opportunities.
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
Both words can express that something has a quality or potential within itself. „Enthalten“ presents this neutrally as a component that is present, while „bergen“ sounds elevated and tends to refer to something hidden, latent, or not yet recognized. Use „enthalten“ for factual statements and „bergen“ for a special, often surprising possibility.
Die alte Methode birgt noch ein großes Potenzial für weitere Verbesserungen.
The old method still holds great potential for further improvements.
Der Bericht enthält wichtige Informationen über die neue Regelung.
The report contains important information about the new regulation.
