01
sich mehren
to increase
To increase in number, amount, or extent; to become more frequent.
example
In letzter Zeit mehren sich die Beschwerden über den Lärm.
Recently, complaints about the noise have been increasing.
mehren
to increase
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'mehren' (to increase) is derived directly from the word 'mehr' (more). So it literally means 'to make more' or 'to become more'.
EXAMPLE
Er versucht, sein Wissen über die deutsche Geschichte zu mehren.
He is trying to increase his knowledge of German history.
Reflexive vs. transitive
This verb has two main uses: 'sich mehren' means that something increases by itself. 'Etwas mehren' means that a person actively increases something.
EXAMPLE
Die Anzeichen für eine baldige Einigung mehren sich.
The signs of an agreement soon are increasing.
Typical collocations
The reflexive form 'sich mehren' is often used with abstract nouns that describe a development. Typical examples are: 'die Anzeichen mehren sich' (the signs are increasing), 'die Zweifel mehren sich' (the doubts are growing), 'die Gerüchte mehren sich' (the rumors are increasing).
EXAMPLE
Die Gerüchte, dass der Firmenchef zurücktritt, mehren sich.
Rumors that the company director is resigning are increasing.
Register and style
The transitive use, meaning 'etwas mehren' (to increase something), is rare today and belongs to an elevated or literary style.
EXAMPLE
Durch seine Arbeit hoffte der Forscher, den Ruhm seiner Universität zu mehren.
Through his work, the researcher hoped to increase the prestige of his university.
Compare with
mehren vs steigen
to rise / climb
'steigen' and 'mehren' can both express that something is increasing. 'steigen' is much more natural in everyday language, especially with prices, numbers, temperatures, or a level. 'sich mehren' is used more when cases, voices, or signs become more frequent; it sounds somewhat more formal. 'mehren' without 'sich' means that someone increases something, for example knowledge or possessions, and it sounds elevated. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with an increase. As a simple guide: in everyday language, people usually say 'steigen'; 'sich mehren' fits more in formal texts or reports.
mehren
Nach den ersten Beschwerden mehren sich die Zweifel an dem Plan.
After the first complaints, doubts about the plan are increasing.
steigen
Die Zahl der Fahrgäste steigt seit dem neuen Fahrplan.
The number of passengers has been rising since the new timetable.
In real life
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