to develop
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to develop
To create and work out something new, such as a product, idea, or software, gradually and according to a plan.
Ein Team von Ingenieuren entwickelt derzeit einen effizienteren Motor.
A team of engineers is currently developing a more efficient engine.
'Entwickeln' (to develop) is an inseparable verb. It consists of the prefix 'ent-' and the stem 'wickeln' (to wrap). Literally, it means 'ent-wickeln' or 'un-wrap' and metaphorically describes how something unfolds or comes into being step by step.
Die Firma hat eine neue Methode zur Wasserreinigung entwickelt.
The company has developed a new method for water purification.
It is important to distinguish between 'etwas entwickeln' (to develop something, transitive) and 'sich entwickeln' (to develop, reflexive). 'Etwas entwickeln' means actively creating something, while 'sich entwickeln' describes a process of change or growth.
Die Ingenieure entwickeln ein neues Auto.
The engineers are developing a new car.
In the meaning 'erschaffen' (to create), 'entwickeln' (to develop) is often combined with abstract or technical concepts. Typical phrases are: 'eine Idee entwickeln' (to develop an idea), 'einen Plan entwickeln' (to develop a plan), 'Software entwickeln' (to develop software), or 'eine Strategie entwickeln' (to develop a strategy).
Gemeinsam haben wir eine Strategie für das nächste Jahr entwickelt.
Together, we developed a strategy for next year.
The reflexive form 'sich entwickeln' (to develop) is frequently used with the prepositions 'aus' (from) and 'zu' (into). The structure is 'sich aus etwas zu etwas entwickeln' (to develop from something into something).
Aus dem kleinen Start-up hat sich ein globales Unternehmen entwickelt.
The small start-up developed into a global company.
This meaning is limited to physical or chemical processes. Typical subjects are 'Feuer' (fire) or a 'chemische Reaktion' (chemical reaction), which then 'entwickeln' (produce/release) 'Hitze' (heat), 'Rauch' (smoke), or 'Gas' (gas) as the object.
Bei dem Brand entwickelte sich starker Rauch.
Heavy smoke developed during the fire.
This meaning belongs specifically to the vocabulary of analog photography. You can say 'einen Film entwickeln' (to develop a film) or 'Fotos entwickeln' (to develop photos). It describes the chemical process in a darkroom.
Früher musste man seine Urlaubsfotos in einem Labor entwickeln lassen.
In the past, you had to have your vacation photos developed in a lab.
to build
'entwickeln' and 'bauen' can both mean that something new comes into being. 'bauen' fits especially well when something concrete is created, for example a house, a bridge, or a model. It can also be used figuratively, for example with a career or relationship. 'entwickeln' puts more emphasis on the plan, the idea, and the gradual working-out, for example with software, products, or concepts. Learners may confuse the words because in technology you sometimes hear both. As a general rule: you build something with material or structure, and you develop something with planning and ideas.
Das Team entwickelt eine neue App für den Kundenservice.
The team is developing a new app for customer service.
Nach dem Gespräch bauen die Kinder zusammen ein kleines Haus aus Holz.
After the conversation, the children build a small wooden house together.