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.
to stretch out
To last longer than expected or usual; to drag on.
Die Diskussion dehnte sich bis in die späten Abendstunden.
The discussion stretched out until late in the evening.
to stretch
To interpret a term, rule, or law very broadly or generously.
Der Anwalt versuchte, den Begriff der Notwehr so weit wie möglich zu dehnen.
The lawyer tried to stretch the concept of self-defense as far as possible.
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
Both words can be used with an elastic material. “Dehnen” emphasizes that it becomes longer or wider and therefore larger, while “spannen” describes the taut state under tension. Use “dehnen” for the change in shape and “spannen” for pulling something taut.
Wir dehnen das Tuch vorsichtig, damit es den größeren Rahmen bedeckt.
We stretch the cloth carefully so that it covers the larger frame.
Wir spannen das Tuch über den Rahmen, bis es straff ist.
We stretch the cloth over the frame until it is taut.
