01
gefährden
to endanger
To put someone or something in a situation where harm or danger threatens.
example
Rücksichtsloses Fahren gefährdet das Leben anderer Verkehrsteilnehmer.
Reckless driving endangers the lives of other road users.
gefährden
to endanger
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'gefährden' (to endanger) is derived directly from the noun 'die Gefahr' (danger). It means to put someone or something in danger.
EXAMPLE
Durch den Sturm war die Stabilität der Brücke gefährdet.
The stability of the bridge was endangered by the storm.
Inseparable verb
'Gefährden' (to endanger) is an inseparable verb because it begins with 'ge-', but this is part of the word stem. The prefix is never separated. The past participle is 'gefährdet' (endangered), without an additional 'ge-'.
EXAMPLE
Du gefährdest deine Gesundheit, wenn du so viel rauchst.
You endanger your health if you smoke so much.
Typical collocations
'Gefährden' (to endanger) is often used in serious contexts. Typical objects are abstract values such as 'die Sicherheit' (safety/security), 'die Gesundheit' (health), 'das Leben' (life), or 'der Erfolg' (success).
EXAMPLE
Die Krise gefährdet tausende Arbeitsplätze.
The crisis is endangering thousands of jobs.
Compare with
gefährden vs schützen
to protect
'schützen' and 'gefährden' describe opposite effects. 'schützen' is used when someone or something is made safer from harm. 'gefährden' is used when someone or something is put in danger. So the difference is: protecting reduces the risk, while endangering increases it. Both words can be used with people, health, nature, plans, or important things that can be harmed.
gefährden
Zu schnelles Fahren gefährdet die Kinder vor der Schule.
Driving too fast endangers the children in front of the school.
schützen
Mit einer warmen Jacke schützt du dich vor der Kälte.
With a warm jacket, you protect yourself from the cold.
In real life
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