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
Both words can refer to a goal being pursued. „Verfolgen“ usually describes a person or institution's long-term, consistent focus on a goal. „Bezwecken“, on the other hand, emphasizes the purpose or intended result of a specific action. Therefore, use „verfolgen“ for a goal and „bezwecken“ for the intention behind a measure.
Die neue Regel bezweckt, den Schulweg für Kinder sicherer zu machen.
The new rule is intended to make the journey to school safer for children.
Die Organisation verfolgt langfristig das Ziel, mehr Kindern zu helfen.
The organization is pursuing the long-term goal of helping more children.
