01
füttern
to feed
To give food to an animal or to a person who cannot eat independently, such as a baby.
example
Die Kinder dürfen im Zoo die Ziegen füttern.
The children are allowed to feed the goats at the zoo.
füttern
to feed
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'füttern' (to feed) is the action that belongs to the noun 'das Futter' (animal feed). So it literally means to give food/feed to someone or to an animal.
EXAMPLE
Bitte gib den Tieren kein falsches Futter, wenn du sie fütterst.
Please don't give the animals the wrong feed when you feed them.
Sentence structure
The person or animal receiving the food is in the accusative. The food itself can be added with the preposition 'mit' (with) and the dative.
EXAMPLE
Die Mutter füttert ihr Baby mit einem Brei.
The mother feeds her baby with some porridge.
Context clue: technology
This figurative meaning is used almost exclusively in technical or digital contexts. When 'Daten' (data), 'Informationen' (information), 'Systemen' (systems), or 'Maschinen' (machines) are mentioned, this meaning is intended.
EXAMPLE
Der Programmierer fütterte den Algorithmus mit neuen Informationen.
The programmer fed the algorithm with new information.
Compare with
füttern vs versorgen
to provide / to treat
'versorgen' and 'füttern' can both mean that someone or something receives something necessary. But 'füttern' is much narrower: you give food to an animal or a baby. In technology or work contexts, you can also 'füttern' a system with data or material. 'versorgen' is broader and refers to the whole need, not just food or data. Learners can easily confuse the words because food can be part of providing for someone. If it is only about giving food, 'füttern' is more precise; if it is about several needs or a general supply, 'versorgen' fits better.
füttern
Am Morgen füttert Tom die Hühner im Garten.
In the morning, Tom feeds the chickens in the garden.
versorgen
Während des Urlaubs versorgt die Nachbarin unsere Katze mit Futter und frischem Wasser.
While we are on vacation, the neighbor provides our cat with food and fresh water.
In real life
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