to donate
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to donate
To give money, clothing, or other things voluntarily and without receiving anything in return, for a good cause or for people in need.
Sie spendet jeden Monat einen kleinen Betrag an eine Tierschutzorganisation.
She donates a small amount to an animal welfare organization every month.
The verb 'spenden' (to donate) belongs to a word family. 'Die Spende' (donation) is what you give, e.g. a monetary donation, and 'der Spender' or 'die Spenderin' (donor) is the person who gives something.
Jede kleine Spende hilft dem Projekt.
Every small donation helps the project.
Two prepositions are often used with 'spenden' (to donate): 'für' (for) describes the purpose or goal of the donation, while 'an' (to) names the direct recipient, a person or organization.
Wir spenden für den Bau einer neuen Schule.
We are donating for the construction of a new school.
In a medical context, 'spenden' (to donate) is almost always combined with body parts or bodily substances. The most common and important combinations are 'Blut spenden' (to donate blood), 'Organe spenden' (to donate organs), and 'Knochenmark spenden' (to donate bone marrow).
Er geht alle drei Monate Blut spenden.
He goes to donate blood every three months.
This meaning is typical of poetic or elevated language. It is used for immaterial things that give something positive. Common examples are 'Schatten spenden' (to provide shade), 'Trost spenden' (to give comfort), or 'Wärme spenden' (to provide warmth).
Der große Baum im Garten spendet im Sommer angenehmen Schatten.
The large tree in the garden provides pleasant shade in summer.
to give
'geben' and 'spenden' can both mean that someone voluntarily gives something away. However, 'geben' is much more general: you can give someone a gift, money, or an object. 'spenden' is used when something is given for a good cause, for people in need, or for medical purposes. Learners may confuse the words because when you donate, you also give something. When it is about helping without receiving anything in return, 'spenden' is more precise.
Nach dem Hochwasser spendet Moritz Kleidung für die Familien.
After the flood, Moritz donates clothes for the families.
Zum Geburtstag gibt mir meine Tante ein neues Buch.
For my birthday, my aunt gives me a new book.