to encourage / reinforce
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to encourage
To give someone courage and strengthen their conviction, opinion, or decision.
Das positive Feedback hat mich darin bestärkt, mit dem Projekt weiterzumachen.
The positive feedback encouraged me to continue with the project.
to reinforce
To make a suspicion, assumption, or tendency stronger or more likely.
Die neuen Indizien bestärken den Verdacht der Ermittler.
The new clues reinforce the investigators' suspicion.
The verb is made up of the inseparable prefix 'be-' and the verb 'stärken' (to strengthen). Here, the prefix 'be-' turns 'stärken' into a verb that always requires a direct object in the accusative.
Ihre Worte haben mich sehr bestärkt.
Her words encouraged me a lot.
A very typical construction is 'jemanden (Akkusativ) in etwas (Dativ) bestärken' (to encourage/reinforce someone in something). The dative object describes the opinion, decision, or feeling that is being strengthened.
Ich möchte dich in deiner Entscheidung bestärken.
I would like to encourage you in your decision.
The context reveals the exact meaning: If the object is a person, 'bestärken' usually means 'ermutigen' (to encourage). If the subject or object is an abstract thing like 'Beweis' (evidence) or 'Verdacht' (suspicion), it means 'untermauern' (to substantiate) or 'verstärken' (to reinforce).
Ihre Freunde bestärkten sie, sich für den Job zu bewerben.
Her friends encouraged her to apply for the job.
In the meaning 'verstärken' (to reinforce), the subjects are often abstract nouns such as 'Indizien' (clues), 'Beweise' (evidence), 'Ergebnisse' (results), or 'Erfahrungen' (experiences).
Die neuen Beweise bestärken den Verdacht gegen den Angeklagten.
The new evidence reinforces the suspicion against the defendant.
to confirm
Both bestätigen and bestärken can be used in connection with an opinion or impression. bestätigen makes the assessment appear accurate, while bestärken gives the person greater confidence in their position. When there are convincing signs, bestätigen is appropriate; for personal encouragement, bestärken is more appropriate.
Meine Freundin bestärkte mich in meinem Entschluss, heute zu Hause zu bleiben.
My friend encouraged me in my decision to stay home today.
Die ruhigen Straßen bestätigten meinen Eindruck, dass heute wenig los war.
The quiet streets confirmed my impression that not much was going on today.
