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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
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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 verbinden
to connect / to bandage
'verbinden' and 'binden' can both mean that things come together or are held in place. However, 'binden' is used especially when you fasten something with a string, a ribbon, or a knot, for example shoes or a package. 'verbinden' is more general and means that two things are physically or technically connected. The words can be confused because in both cases something comes together. If a ribbon, string, or knot is important, 'binden' sounds more natural. If it is about a general connection between two parts, 'verbinden' fits better.
binden
Vor dem Training bindet Max schnell seine Schuhe.
Before training, Max quickly ties his shoes.
verbinden
Dieses Kabel verbindet den Laptop mit dem Bildschirm.
This cable connects the laptop to the screen.
In real life
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