to prepare / preserve / rig
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to prepare
To prepare, set up, or treat something specifically for a certain purpose. This can refer to objects, samples, or even ski slopes.
Der Skifahrer präpariert seine Skier vor dem Rennen mit speziellem Wachs.
The skier prepares his skis with special wax before the race.
The verb 'präparieren' (to prepare/preserve/rig) comes from the Latin word 'praeparare', which means 'to prepare'. The prefix 'prä-' corresponds to the German 'vor-' (pre-/before), so the idea of preparation is built into the word.
Für die Expedition muss die Ausrüstung sorgfältig präpariert werden.
The equipment must be carefully prepared for the expedition.
'Präparieren' (to prepare/preserve/rig) is always used with an accusative object. You always prepare 'etwas' (something) for a specific purpose.
Der Biologe präpariert die Gewebeprobe für die Untersuchung.
The biologist prepares the tissue sample for the examination.
In connection with dead animals, 'präparieren' (to preserve) almost always means to preserve the body for display. The profession is called 'Tierpräparator' (taxidermist).
Er hat den seltenen Schmetterling fangen und präparieren lassen.
He had the rare butterfly caught and preserved.
In a scientific context, especially in biology or medicine, 'präparieren' (to prepare) means preparing an object for analysis. Typical signal words are 'Probe' (sample), 'Mikroskop' (microscope), or 'Labor' (laboratory).
Die Studenten lernen, wie man einen Frosch für den Biologieunterricht präpariert.
The students learn how to prepare a frog for biology class.
When games, competitions, or documents are involved and there is a negative intention at play, 'präparieren' (to rig/manipulate) means to manipulate or falsify. The goal here is to deceive.
Der Magier benutzte präparierte Karten für seinen Trick.
The magician used rigged cards for his trick.
to treat / to deal with
'behandeln' and 'präparieren' can both mean that you work on or process something. 'behandeln' is more general: you might 'behandeln' wood, a surface, or a material with a substance so that it is protected or changed. 'präparieren' more often means that you prepare something deliberately for a specific purpose, for example a sample for an examination or a slope for sports. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with working on something. The important difference is: 'behandeln' is more about the type of care or change, while 'präparieren' is about preparation for a purpose.
Im Labor präparieren wir die Probe für die Untersuchung unter dem Mikroskop.
In the lab, we prepare the sample for examination under the microscope.
Vor dem Winter behandelt Mehmet den Holztisch mit Öl.
Before winter, Mehmet treats the wooden table with oil.