bündeln
to pool
To combine forces, interests, resources, or efforts and align them toward a common goal.
EXAMPLE
Um das Projekt zu retten, müssen wir unsere Kräfte bündeln.
To save the project, we have to pool our strengths.
bündeln
to bundle
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Meanings
bündeln
to bundle
To tie or group several individual things together into a bundle.
EXAMPLE
Sie bündelte die alten Zeitungen, um sie zum Recycling zu bringen.
She bundled the old newspapers to take them for recycling.
bündeln
to focus
In physics, to cause rays, for example light rays, to converge on one point or become concentrated in one area.
EXAMPLE
Die Linse bündelt das Sonnenlicht auf einen kleinen Punkt.
The lens focuses the sunlight onto a small point.
Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'bündeln' (to bundle) is derived directly from the noun 'das Bündel' (bundle). A bundle is a number of things tied together. So 'bündeln' literally means to make something into a bundle.
EXAMPLE
Für das Lagerfeuer bündelte er trockene Äste.
For the campfire, he bundled dry branches.
Sentence structure
'Bündeln' (to bundle) is always used with an accusative object. So you have to state what is being bundled.
EXAMPLE
Die Firma bündelt ihre Marketingaktivitäten in einer neuen Abteilung.
The company is bundling its marketing activities in a new department.
Typical collocations
In the figurative meaning, 'bündeln' (to pool) is often used with abstract nouns. Typical combinations are 'Kräfte bündeln' (to pool forces), 'Energien bündeln' (to focus energies), 'Ressourcen bündeln' (to pool resources), or 'Kompetenzen bündeln' (to pool expertise).
EXAMPLE
Wir sollten unsere Kompetenzen bündeln, um die beste Lösung zu finden.
We should pool our expertise to find the best solution.
Typical collocations
In the literal meaning, 'bündeln' (to bundle) is used with concrete objects. Common combinations are 'Holz bündeln' (to bundle wood), 'Kabel bündeln' (to bundle cables), or 'Kräuter bündeln' (to bundle herbs).
EXAMPLE
Der Gärtner bündelte die frisch geschnittenen Kräuter.
The gardener bundled the freshly cut herbs.
Context clue
You can recognize the physical meaning from words like 'Licht' (light), 'Strahlen' (rays), or 'Linse' (lens) in the sentence. In this context, 'bündeln' (to focus) describes the focusing of energy or particles.
EXAMPLE
Ein Hohlspiegel kann parallel einfallende Lichtstrahlen bündeln.
A concave mirror can focus parallel incoming light rays.
Compare with
bündeln vs konzentrieren
to concentrate
Both verbs work when several forces or resources are used together. Konzentrieren emphasizes gathering something at a central location or point; bündeln highlights combining different elements to create a shared effect. Choose „konzentrieren“ when emphasizing the central gathering point and „bündeln“ when emphasizing a common direction.
bündeln
Die Stadt bündelt die Kräfte mehrerer Organisationen für ein gemeinsames Hilfsprogramm.
The city is pooling the resources of several organizations for a joint aid program.
konzentrieren
Die Stadt konzentriert die Hilfsangebote in einem zentralen Bürgerzentrum.
The city is concentrating its aid services in a central community center.
In real life
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