01
sprengen
to blast
To deliberately cause something to explode and be destroyed using explosives.
example
Das alte Fabrikgebäude wurde kontrolliert gesprengt.
The old factory building was blasted in a controlled demolition.
sprengen
to blast / exceed
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Verb conjugation
'Sprengen' is a weak verb in most modern meanings. The past forms are 'sprengte' and 'hat gesprengt'.
EXAMPLE
Die Baufirma hat den alten Schornstein sicher gesprengt.
The construction company safely blasted the old chimney.
Literal vs. figurative
The verb 'sprengen' has a literal meaning (to make something explode) and a figurative one (to exceed a limit). The context makes clear what is meant: with buildings and rocks it is literal; with budgets and frameworks it is figurative.
EXAMPLE
Die Lawine wurde künstlich gesprengt, um die Gefahr zu bannen.
The avalanche was artificially blasted in order to eliminate the danger.
Typical collocations
In the figurative meaning, 'sprengen' is often part of fixed expressions. Common combinations are 'den Rahmen sprengen' (to go beyond the scope), 'das Budget sprengen' (to exceed the budget), or 'alle Erwartungen sprengen' (to exceed all expectations).
EXAMPLE
Eine Feier mit so vielen Gästen würde den finanziellen Rahmen sprengen.
A party with that many guests would exceed the financial scope.
Use in gardening
In the meaning 'bewässern' (to water), 'sprengen' is used almost exclusively for lawns and gardens. The related device is called 'der Rasensprenger' (lawn sprinkler).
EXAMPLE
Ich muss daran denken, heute Abend den Rasen zu sprengen.
I have to remember to water the lawn this evening.
Register: literary
The meaning 'im Galopp reiten' (to ride at a gallop) is outdated today and is used almost only in historical or literary language to describe a fast, dramatic movement.
EXAMPLE
Der König sprengte an der Spitze seiner Armee in die Schlacht.
The king galloped into battle at the head of his army.
Compare with
sprengen vs zerstören
to destroy
'zerstören' and 'sprengen' can both mean that something gets broken or becomes unusable. 'zerstören' is the more general word and only says that the result is very serious damage. 'sprengen' is more specific: it is usually about an explosion with explosives or strong pressure that makes something break open. A bridge can therefore be 'zerstört' (destroyed), but if it is brought down with explosives, the more precise word is 'sprengen'. 'sprengen' names the method; 'zerstören' mainly names the result.
sprengen
Die Experten sprengen den alten Tunnel, weil er nicht mehr sicher ist.
The experts blast the old tunnel because it is no longer safe.
zerstören
Der Unfall zerstört das Auto so stark, dass niemand es reparieren kann.
The accident destroys the car so badly that no one can repair it.
In real life
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