01
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
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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 sammeln
to collect / gather
'sammeln' and 'bündeln' have in common that individual things come together. 'sammeln' mainly means that you gather things, information, or experiences. 'bündeln' means more strongly that you organize and combine these individual parts, often directing them toward a goal. With forces, interests, or tasks, 'bündeln' often sounds more precise. With individual objects or pieces of information, 'sammeln' is usually more neutral and simpler.
bündeln
Heute bündelt Paula in der Schule die Ideen der Gruppe für das Projekt.
Today at school, Paula is pooling the group's ideas for the project.
sammeln
In der Küche sammelt die Chefin alle Bestelllisten für das Wochenende.
In the kitchen, the manager collects all the order lists for the weekend.
In real life
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