binden
to tie
To join or fasten something together with a ribbon, string, or something similar.
EXAMPLE
Sie band die alten Zeitungen zu einem Bündel.
She tied the old newspapers into a bundle.
binden
to tie / bind
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Meanings
binden
to tie
To knot the laces of shoes into a bow.
EXAMPLE
Das Kind lernt gerade, seine Schuhe selbst zu binden.
The child is just learning to tie his own shoes.
sich binden
to commit oneself
To enter into a firm obligation or relationship, especially a partnership or marriage.
EXAMPLE
Nach vielen Jahren als Single möchte er sich nun fest binden.
After many years of being single, he now wants to commit himself to a serious relationship.
binden
to thicken
To make a liquid, such as a sauce or soup, thicker by adding starch, flour, or another thickening agent.
EXAMPLE
Um die Soße zu binden, rühre ich etwas Speisestärke in kaltem Wasser an.
To thicken the sauce, I stir some cornstarch into cold water.
gebunden sein an
to be bound to
To be obligated by a promise, contract, or rule to do something or refrain from doing something.
EXAMPLE
Wir sind an den Vertrag gebunden und können ihn nicht einfach kündigen.
We are bound to the contract and can't simply terminate it.
binden
to bind
To join the pages of a book together and provide them with a cover.
EXAMPLE
Der Buchbinder kann Ihre Abschlussarbeit professionell binden.
The bookbinder can bind your thesis professionally.
binden
to bind
In chemistry, the ability of atoms or molecules to exert forces on each other and combine into larger units.
EXAMPLE
Zwei Wasserstoffatome binden ein Sauerstoffatom und bilden so ein Wassermolekül.
Two hydrogen atoms bind one oxygen atom and thus form a water molecule.
Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'binden' (to tie / bind) is the root of many related words. 'Die Bindung' is the noun for the connection or relationship, and 'gebunden' is the participle that is often used as an adjective meaning 'obligated' or 'not free'.
EXAMPLE
Zwischen Mutter und Kind besteht eine starke Bindung.
There is a strong bond between mother and child.
Strong verb
'Binden' is a strong verb with the vowel change i-a-u. The past forms are 'band' (simple past) and 'hat gebunden' (present perfect).
EXAMPLE
Sie band sich einen Schal um den Hals.
She tied a scarf around her neck.
Reflexive use
The reflexive form 'sich binden' means to enter into a firm commitment, usually emotionally or in a partnership. It describes the decision to limit one's own freedom in favor of a relationship.
EXAMPLE
Er hat Angst, sich zu früh zu binden.
He is afraid of committing himself too early.
Cooking context
In the context of cooking and recipes, 'binden' means to make a liquid thicker. Signal words for this are 'Soße' (sauce), 'Suppe' (soup), 'Stärke' (starch), or 'Mehl' (flour).
EXAMPLE
Ich binde die Bratensoße immer mit etwas Mondamin.
I always thicken the gravy with a little Mondamin.
Fixed construction
The phrase 'an etwas gebunden sein' expresses an obligation. The preposition 'an' is used here with the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Ich würde gerne mitkommen, aber ich bin an eine frühere Zusage gebunden.
I would like to come along, but I am bound by an earlier commitment.
Typical collocations
In the literal meaning, 'binden' is often used for joining things together. Typical examples are 'einen Blumenstrauß binden' (to tie/arrange a bouquet), 'einen Kranz binden' (to make/tie a wreath), or 'ein Buch binden' (to bind a book).
EXAMPLE
Zu Weihnachten binden wir jedes Jahr einen Adventskranz.
Every year at Christmas, we make an Advent wreath.
Book context
When 'Bücher' (books), 'Seiten' (pages), or an 'Arbeit' (paper/thesis, e.g. bachelor's thesis) are mentioned, 'binden' refers to the craft process of joining loose sheets into a fixed book.
EXAMPLE
Ich lasse meine Masterarbeit professionell binden.
I'm having my master's thesis professionally bound.
Compare with
binden vs verpflichten
to oblige / commit
In the context of a contract, verpflichten can emphasize the conclusion of the contract or the imposition of a contractual task from the perspective of a person or organization. Binden, by contrast, highlights that someone is bound to an obligation by the contract. Both words can fit the same context, but they place the emphasis differently.
binden
Der Vertrag bindet den Stürmer für drei Jahre an den Verein.
The contract binds the striker to the club for three years.
verpflichten
Der Verein verpflichtete den Stürmer für drei Jahre.
The club signed the striker for three years.
In real life
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