to rope
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to rope
To equip, connect, or secure someone or something with a rope. Today, the word is rarely used on its own and is usually part of compounds such as 'anseilen' (to rope up) or 'abseilen' (to rappel).
Der Kranführer musste die schwere Last sorgfältig seilen, bevor er sie anheben konnte.
The crane operator had to rope the heavy load carefully before he could lift it.
The verb 'seilen' (to rope) is derived directly from the noun 'das Seil' (rope). The basic meaning is therefore to do something with a rope.
Für diese Klettertour müssen wir uns mit einem Seil sichern.
For this climbing tour, we have to secure ourselves with a rope.
The verb 'seilen' (to rope) is hardly used on its own anymore. You find it almost exclusively in separable verbs such as 'abseilen' (to rappel), 'anseilen' (to rope up), or 'aufseilen' (to hoist with a rope), which describe a specific action with a rope.
Die Bergsteiger seilten sich gegenseitig an, um nicht abzustürzen.
The mountaineers roped themselves to each other so they would not fall.
The reflexive form 'sich abseilen' has, in addition to its literal meaning (to lower oneself on a rope), a very common colloquial meaning: to slip away secretly or unnoticed.
Die Party war langweilig, also haben wir uns früh abgeseilt.
The party was boring, so we slipped away early.
to connect / to bandage
Verbinden generally refers to establishing a connection and can also specify the means used. Seilen specifically refers to connecting or securing something with a rope, but it is rarely used on its own today. A compound such as anseilen is usually used instead.
Vor dem Gletscherweg seilt der Bergführer die drei Wanderer zu einer Gruppe.
Before the glacier trail, the mountain guide ropes the three hikers together as a group.
Der Bergführer verbindet die drei Wanderer mit einem langen Seil.
The mountain guide connects the three hikers with a long rope.
