to grow stronger
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to grow stronger
To gain power, strength, influence, or importance. Often used for abstract things such as movements, currencies, or feelings.
Nach der Wahl hofft die Opposition, im Parlament wieder zu erstarken.
After the election, the opposition hopes to grow stronger again in parliament.
"Erstarken" is an inseparable verb formed from the prefix "er-" and the adjective "stark" (strong). Here, the prefix "er-" expresses the beginning of a process: becoming strong.
Nach der Krise begann die Wirtschaft langsam wieder zu erstarken.
After the crisis, the economy slowly began to grow stronger again.
The verb is usually used for abstract subjects that gain influence or importance. Typical subjects are "die Wirtschaft" (the economy), "eine Währung" (a currency), "eine politische Partei" (a political party), or "eine Bewegung" (a movement).
In den Umfragen konnte die neue Partei deutlich erstarken.
In the polls, the new party was able to grow significantly stronger.
"Erstarken" belongs to a formal, written register. It is often found in news reports, political analyses, or economic reports, but rarely in everyday colloquial speech.
Der Widerstand gegen das Bauprojekt ist in den letzten Wochen erstarkt.
Resistance to the construction project has grown stronger in recent weeks.
to grow / to wax
'wachsen' and 'erstarken' can both express that something increases or gains importance. 'wachsen' is more general and fits numbers, quantities, problems, interest, or influence. 'erstarken' emphasizes more strongly that something is becoming stronger, more powerful, or more influential. It often sounds somewhat more formal and is frequently used for movements, feelings, political groups, or economic developments. If you only want to say that an amount is getting larger, 'wachsen' is more natural. If it is about new strength or more influence, 'erstarken' is more precise.
Nach den Erfolgen im Wahlkampf erstarkte die Partei deutlich.
After its successes in the election campaign, the party grew significantly stronger.
In der Stadt wächst die Zahl der Fahrräder jedes Jahr.
In the city, the number of bicycles grows every year.