stärken
to strengthen
To make someone or something stronger, more resistant, or more influential.
EXAMPLE
Regelmäßiger Sport stärkt das Immunsystem.
Regular exercise strengthens the immune system.
stärken
to strengthen
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Meanings
sich stärken
to fortify oneself
To regain one's strength through eating and drinking.
EXAMPLE
Nach der langen Wanderung müssen wir uns erst einmal in der Hütte stärken.
After the long hike, we first need to fortify ourselves in the hut.
stärken
to starch
To treat laundry (e.g., shirt collars) with starch so that it becomes stiff and keeps its shape.
EXAMPLE
Früher war es üblich, die Kragen von Oberhemden zu stärken.
In the past, it was common to starch the collars of dress shirts.
Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'stärken' (to strengthen) is derived directly from the adjective 'stark' (strong). It means to 'make something or someone strong'.
EXAMPLE
Diese Erfahrung hat seinen Charakter gestärkt.
This experience strengthened his character.
Typical collocations
'Stärken' (to strengthen) is often used with abstract concepts or body parts, for example 'das Selbstvertrauen stärken' (to strengthen self-confidence), 'die Wirtschaft stärken' (to strengthen the economy), 'die Muskeln stärken' (to strengthen the muscles), or 'jemandem den Rücken stärken' (to give someone support/back someone up).
EXAMPLE
Gezielte Übungen können die Rückenmuskulatur stärken.
Targeted exercises can strengthen the back muscles.
Reflexive use
The reflexive form 'sich stärken' (to fortify oneself) means to regain strength through eating and drinking. It is often followed by the preposition 'mit' and the respective food in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Vor dem Wettkampf stärkte sich der Athlet mit Nudeln.
Before the competition, the athlete fortified himself with pasta.
Specific context
The meaning 'Wäsche steif machen' (to make laundry stiff) is very specific and rather rare today. You find it in the context of housework, often referring to shirt collars or tablecloths.
EXAMPLE
Meine Großmutter hat ihre Tischdecken immer gestärkt.
My grandmother always starched her tablecloths.
Compare with
stärken vs aufbauen
to build up
After an illness, both aufbauen and stärken can have a positive meaning. Aufbauen emphasizes helping someone regain inner strength through comfort and encouragement, while stärken makes someone stronger or more resilient. Aufbauen is appropriate for emotional support; stärken is more suitable for increasing strength or resilience.
stärken
Nach der Krankheit stärkt das tägliche Training langsam seine Muskeln.
After his illness, daily training gradually strengthens his muscles.
aufbauen
Nach der Krankheit baut die Familie ihn mit viel Zuspruch wieder auf.
After his illness, his family builds him back up with lots of encouragement.
In real life
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