to stretch
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to stretch
To pull something lengthwise or widthwise so that it becomes larger or wider. This often refers to muscles or elastic materials.
Vor dem Sport sollte man seine Muskeln gut dehnen, um Verletzungen vorzubeugen.
Before exercising, you should stretch your muscles well to prevent injuries.
The context reveals the meaning: If it is about the body or sports, it refers to stretching muscles. If the verb is reflexive ('sich dehnen' - to stretch out), it is about time. With abstract terms like 'Gesetz' (law) or 'Regel' (rule), it refers to a broad interpretation.
Ich muss vor dem Laufen meine Beine dehnen.
I need to stretch my legs before running.
In the physical meaning, 'dehnen' (to stretch) is usually used with an accusative object. Typical objects are body parts or elastic materials.
Der Physiotherapeut dehnte vorsichtig meinen Rücken.
The physiotherapist carefully stretched my back.
When an event lasts longer than expected, the reflexive form 'sich dehnen' (to stretch out) is used. The subject of the sentence is then the event itself.
Die Zugfahrt dehnte sich wegen technischer Probleme um zwei Stunden.
The train journey stretched out by two hours because of technical problems.
In the figurative meaning, 'dehnen' (to stretch) is used for abstract concepts such as terms, rules, or laws. It means to interpret their limits very broadly.
Sie hat den Begriff „Freundschaft“ für ihre Zwecke sehr gedehnt.
She stretched the concept of 'Freundschaft' (friendship) a great deal for her own purposes.
to stretch / tighten / peep
'spannen' and 'dehnen' both have to do with something being pulled. 'spannen' is used when something is made taut and is under tension, for example a rope or a cloth. 'dehnen' fits better when something is meant to become longer, wider, or looser, especially with muscles or elastic material. Learners may confuse the words because both involve pulling. A practical tip: you use 'spannen' for a tent rope so that it is tight; you use 'dehnen' for a muscle so that it becomes more flexible.
Nach dem Laufen dehnt Lena ihre Beine im Park.
After running, Lena stretches her legs in the park.
Vor dem Regen spannen wir die Plane fest über die Fahrräder.
Before the rain, we stretch the tarp tightly over the bicycles.