to germinate
Loading your saved state.
to germinate
The beginning growth of a plant from a seed, in which the seedling breaks through the seed coat.
Nach ein paar Tagen in der feuchten Erde begannen die Kressesamen zu keimen.
After a few days in the moist soil, the cress seeds began to germinate.
The verb 'keimen' (to germinate) is closely related to the noun 'der Keim' (the sprout, the beginning). When something germinates, the Keim develops. This connection helps you understand both the literal and the figurative meaning.
Der Keim einer neuen Idee begann sich in ihrem Kopf zu entwickeln.
The germ of a new idea began to develop in her mind.
In the literal meaning, the perfect tense of 'keimen' (to germinate) is often formed with the auxiliary verb 'sein' (to be), because it describes a change of state: the seed moves from dormancy into growth.
Die Bohnen, die wir gepflanzt haben, sind schon nach zwei Tagen gekeimt.
The beans we planted germinated after just two days.
In the figurative meaning, the structure '[feeling/thought] keimt in [person in the dative]' is often used. The feeling is the subject of the sentence.
In ihm keimte der Wunsch, die Welt zu bereisen.
The desire to travel the world began to germinate in him.
In the figurative sense, 'keimen' (to germinate) is combined with abstract nouns that describe a slow emergence. Common combinations are: 'Hoffnung keimt' (hope germinates), 'ein Verdacht keimt' (a suspicion germinates), 'Zweifel keimen' (doubts germinate), or 'eine Idee keimt' (an idea germinates).
Trotz der schlechten Nachrichten keimte in ihr neue Hoffnung auf.
Despite the bad news, new hope began to germinate in her.
to arise
'entstehen' and 'keimen' can both describe the beginning of something. 'entstehen' is very general and fits many things, such as problems, ideas, feelings, or situations. 'keimen' first of all comes from the world of plants: a seed begins to grow. Figuratively, it is also used for feelings, thoughts, or ideas that slowly begin. Learners may confuse the words because both express a beginning. However, 'keimen' sounds more figurative and does not fit every new event.
Nach der ersten guten Nachricht keimt bei Lisa wieder Hoffnung.
After the first piece of good news, hope begins to grow in Lisa again.
Nach dem langen Gespräch entstand eine neue Idee für das Projekt.
After the long conversation, a new idea for the project emerged.