01
sammeln
to collect
To deliberately gather things of a particular kind, often as a hobby or for a collection.
example
Mein Bruder sammelt seit seiner Kindheit Briefmarken.
My brother has been collecting stamps since his childhood.
sammeln
to collect / gather
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'sammeln' (to collect / gather) belongs to a word family. 'Die Sammlung' (collection) is the result of collecting, and 'der Sammler' or 'die Sammlerin' (collector) is the person who collects.
EXAMPLE
Er zeigte uns stolz seine wertvolle Kunstsammlung.
He proudly showed us his valuable art collection.
Reflexive use
In the meaning 'sich konzentrieren' (to concentrate), 'sammeln' is always used reflexively: 'sich sammeln' (to collect oneself). The reflexive pronoun must be adapted to the subject.
EXAMPLE
Der Redner musste sich kurz sammeln, bevor er weitersprach.
The speaker had to collect himself briefly before continuing.
Typical collectibles
When 'sammeln' (to collect) describes a hobby, the objects are typically things from a particular category. Common examples are stamps, coins, postcards, or stickers.
EXAMPLE
Als Kind habe ich Servietten gesammelt.
As a child, I collected napkins.
Gathering abstract things
You can collect not only physical objects, but also abstract things. Typical examples are 'Erfahrungen sammeln' (to gain experience), 'Informationen sammeln' (to gather information), or 'Kräfte sammeln' (to gather one's strength).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Studium wollte sie erst einmal im Ausland Erfahrungen sammeln.
After university, she first wanted to gain experience abroad.
Sentence structure with 'für'
When money is collected for a specific purpose, you use the preposition 'für' followed by the accusative. This indicates the goal of the fundraising campaign.
EXAMPLE
Die Klasse sammelt für einen Ausflug in den Zoo.
The class is collecting for a trip to the zoo.
Compare with
sammeln vs spenden
to donate
'sammeln' and 'spenden' often appear in the same context, for example with money or clothing for a good cause. The difference is important: someone who 'sammelt' brings together contributions from many people. Someone who 'spendet' gives something voluntarily themselves. It is easy to confuse the words because both happen during a campaign: a group collects money, and individual people donate money. With blood or organs, you normally say 'spenden', not 'sammeln'.
sammeln
In der Schule sammeln wir Geld für ein neues Spielgerät.
At school, we are collecting money for a new piece of playground equipment.
spenden
Sie hat nach dem Gespräch im Büro fünfzig Euro gespendet.
After the conversation at the office, she donated fifty euros.
In real life
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