herstellen
to produce
To create or make a product through a work process, usually industrially or by craft.
EXAMPLE
Diese Fabrik stellt Autoteile für verschiedene Marken her.
This factory produces car parts for various brands.
herstellen
to produce / establish
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Meanings
herstellen
to establish
To create or bring about something non-material, such as a connection, a relationship, or a certain state.
EXAMPLE
Der Techniker konnte schnell eine Verbindung zum Internet herstellen.
The technician was able to quickly establish a connection to the internet.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Herstellen' (to produce / establish) is a separable verb. The prefix 'her' comes at the end in a main clause, stays attached to the verb in subordinate clauses, and in the infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' comes in between.
EXAMPLE
Die Firma stellt seit 20 Jahren Möbel her.
The company has been producing furniture for 20 years.
Word structure
The word consists of the prefix 'her' (to here) and the verb 'stellen' (to put/place). Literally, it means to put something in a place so that it is available. From this developed the meaning 'produzieren' (to produce) or 'erschaffen' (to create).
EXAMPLE
In diesem Werk werden hochwertige Uhren hergestellt.
High-quality watches are produced in this plant.
Context clue
The context reveals the meaning. If it is about a physical product like a car or a medication, 'herstellen' means 'produzieren' (to produce). If it is about something abstract like a connection or contact, it means 'schaffen' (to create) or 'aufbauen' (to build up/establish).
EXAMPLE
Dieses Unternehmen stellt umweltfreundliche Verpackungen her.
This company produces environmentally friendly packaging.
Compare with
machenschaffengewinnenbauenerstellenaufbauenproduzierenerzeugenfertigenanfertigenknüpfenherbeiführen
herstellen vs machen
to do / make
Both words can describe making a product. „Machen“ is general and fits especially well in relaxed everyday speech, while „herstellen“ places more emphasis on the production process. „Machen“ is possible for a simple statement; „herstellen“ is a better fit for an objective description of production.
herstellen
Die Bäckerei stellt jeden Morgen frisches Brot her.
The bakery produces fresh bread every morning.
machen
Die Bäckerei macht jeden Morgen frisches Brot.
The bakery makes fresh bread every morning.
In real life
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