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
mehren
to increase
To enlarge or increase something, for example possessions or knowledge. This use is rather formal or elevated.
EXAMPLE
Er hat sein Vermögen durch kluge Investitionen gemehrt.
He increased his fortune through smart investments.
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 steigern
to increase
Steigern and mehren can both express that something is becoming greater. Steigern is especially suitable for measurable quantities such as revenue, performance, or value. Mehren is used more formally or in elevated language and is often associated with possessions or knowledge.
mehren
Durch kluge Anlagen mehrt die Familie ihren Besitz.
Through wise investments, the family increases its holdings.
steigern
Durch kluge Anlagen steigert die Familie den Wert ihres Vermögens.
Through wise investments, the family increases the value of its assets.
In real life
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