to intend
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to intend
To pursue a specific goal, have an intention, or work toward an outcome. It is often used in questions to ask about the purpose or intention of an action.
Was genau bezwecken Sie mit dieser Maßnahme?
What exactly do you intend with this measure?
The verb 'bezwecken' (to intend) is formed from the noun 'der Zweck' (the purpose, the goal) and the prefix 'be-'. It literally means to do something with a purpose or intention.
Der Zweck dieser Übung ist die Wiederholung der Grammatik.
The purpose of this exercise is to review the grammar.
'Bezwecken' (to intend) is a transitive verb and always needs an accusative object. This object names the goal or intention of the action.
Die Firma bezweckt eine Steigerung des Umsatzes.
The company intends to increase revenue.
The verb is very often used in questions with 'Was' (what) and in combination with 'damit' (with that/by that) to ask about the intention behind a stated action.
Was bezwecken Sie mit dieser Frage?
What do you intend with this question?
'Bezwecken' (to intend) belongs more to formal or written language. It often sounds more official or detached than, for example, 'wollen' (to want) or 'beabsichtigen' (to intend).
Die Regierung bezweckt mit dem neuen Gesetz eine Entlastung der Bürger.
With the new law, the government intends to relieve the burden on citizens.
to follow / pursue
'verfolgen' and 'bezwecken' can both express that someone has a goal or an intention. 'verfolgen' emphasizes the active path toward a goal: you work toward it and stick with it. 'bezwecken' is more about asking about the purpose of an action or stating what result someone wants to achieve. It sounds somewhat more formal and is often used in questions, for example: 'Was bezweckst du damit?' (What are you trying to achieve with that?). The words can be confused because both have to do with goals. In practical terms: you pursue a goal over a longer period of time; with an action, you intend something specific.
Was bezweckst du mit dieser Nachricht an den Vermieter?
What are you trying to achieve with this message to the landlord?
Mit dem neuen Projekt verfolgt die Firma ein klares Ziel.
With the new project, the company is pursuing a clear goal.