to construct
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to construct
To design and assemble or build something technical or structural according to a plan. This often refers to machines, buildings, or complex devices.
Die Ingenieure konstruieren eine neue, leichtere Brücke aus Verbundwerkstoffen.
The engineers are constructing a new, lighter bridge from composite materials.
to fabricate
To artificially create or invent a mental connection, a story, or a pretext. Often with the additional implication that it does not correspond to reality.
Er konstruierte eine abenteuerliche Ausrede, um seine Verspätung zu erklären.
He fabricated a wild excuse to explain his lateness.
to construct
In geometry, to draw a figure with specific tools such as a compass and ruler according to given rules.
Im Mathematikunterricht lernen wir, ein Dreieck mit Zirkel und Lineal zu konstruieren.
In math class, we learn to construct a triangle with a compass and ruler.
The verb 'konstruieren' (to construct) is closely related to the noun 'die Konstruktion' (construction). If you know that a Konstruktion is a structure or a complex construct, that helps you understand the main meaning of the verb.
Die Konstruktion des neuen Roboters war sehr aufwendig.
The construction of the new robot was very elaborate.
You can recognize the meaning of 'konstruieren' (to construct) from the context. If it is about technology or structures, the literal meaning is intended. In connection with abstract nouns like 'Ausrede' (excuse) or 'Zusammenhang' (connection), it means 'erfinden' (to invent) and often has a negative tone.
Der Architekt konstruiert ein energieeffizientes Haus.
The architect is constructing an energy-efficient house.
In the technical sense, 'konstruieren' (to construct) is often used with objects such as 'eine Maschine' (a machine), 'ein Gerät' (a device), 'ein Fahrzeug' (a vehicle), or 'ein Modell' (a model).
Ein Team von Designern konstruiert den Prototyp eines neuen Autos.
A team of designers is constructing the prototype of a new car.
In the figurative meaning, 'konstruieren' (to fabricate) is combined with abstract things. Typical phrases are 'einen Vorwand konstruieren' (to fabricate a pretext), 'einen Fall konstruieren' (to construct a case), or 'eine Lüge konstruieren' (to fabricate a lie).
Der Detektiv versuchte, aus den wenigen Hinweisen einen Tathergang zu konstruieren.
The detective tried to construct a sequence of events from the few clues.
This meaning is almost exclusively limited to math class. It is almost always mentioned together with the tools, for example 'mit Zirkel und Lineal konstruieren' (to construct with a compass and ruler).
Die Aufgabe ist, ein regelmäßiges Sechseck zu konstruieren.
The task is to construct a regular hexagon.
to develop
When talking about a new machine, both words are possible. „Entwickeln“ refers to the broader process from the initial idea to the finished design, while „konstruieren“ emphasizes the specific technical design and assembly. „Entwickeln“ fits the project as a whole, while „konstruieren“ is more appropriate for the machine’s technical design.
Die Ingenieurin konstruiert die neue Maschine nach den technischen Plänen.
The engineer is constructing the new machine according to the technical plans.
Das Unternehmen entwickelt eine neue Maschine und testet sie mehrere Monate lang.
The company is developing a new machine and testing it for several months.
