01
sich erstrecken
to extend
To have a certain spatial extent; to spread across an area or distance.
example
Der Nationalpark erstreckt sich über drei Bundesländer.
The national park extends across three federal states.
erstrecken
to extend / stretch
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Reflexive verb
'Erstrecken' (to extend/stretch) is almost always used reflexively: 'sich erstrecken' (to extend). Don't forget the reflexive pronoun 'sich', which adapts to the subject ('mein Plan erstreckt sich' — my plan extends, 'unsere Reise erstreckt sich' — our trip extends).
EXAMPLE
Meine Kenntnisse erstrecken sich auf verschiedene Bereiche.
My knowledge extends to various areas.
Word structure
The verb consists of the inseparable prefix 'er-' and the verb 'strecken' (to stretch). The literal meaning is 'to stretch out' and describes how something covers a space, a time, or a field.
EXAMPLE
Der Wald erstreckt sich bis zum Horizont.
The forest extends to the horizon.
Important prepositions
The preposition after 'sich erstrecken' (to extend) is crucial: 'über' (+ accusative) for time and space, 'auf' (+ accusative) for scope, and 'von ... bis ...' for a defined starting and ending point.
EXAMPLE
Die Diskussion erstreckte sich über mehrere Stunden.
The discussion extended over several hours.
Register: formal
The meaning 'gelten für' (to apply to) or 'umfassen' (to include/cover), as in 'sich auf etwas erstrecken' (to extend/apply to something), is typical in formal contexts such as contracts, laws, or official announcements.
EXAMPLE
Die Zuständigkeit des Gerichts erstreckt sich auf das gesamte Bundesland.
The court's jurisdiction extends to the entire federal state.
Compare with
erstrecken vs reichen
to hand / to suffice
'reichen' and 'sich erstrecken' can both express that something goes up to a point, across an area, or over a period of time. 'reichen' is simpler in everyday language and often refers to an endpoint: something reaches as far as the door, to the river, or until Monday. 'sich erstrecken' sounds more formal and more strongly describes the full extent across space, time, or a topic. Learners may confuse the words because both can be used with 'bis' (up to / until) or with a range. For short, everyday statements, 'reichen' is more natural; for larger areas, periods of time, or official descriptions, 'sich erstrecken' fits better.
erstrecken
Der Nationalpark erstreckt sich über mehrere Täler und Berge.
The national park extends across several valleys and mountains.
reichen
Der Garten reicht bis zum kleinen Bach hinter dem Haus.
The garden reaches as far as the small stream behind the house.
In real life
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