01
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
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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 unterstützen
to support
'unterstützen' and 'stärken' can both mean that someone or something ends up in a better position. Use 'unterstützen' when you help, for example with money, time, work, or approval. 'stärken' means more specifically to make someone or something stronger, more confident, or more influential. The words can be confused because help often also makes someone or something stronger. Still, the focus is different: 'unterstützen' describes the help itself, while 'stärken' describes the result.
stärken
Im Büro stärkt ein gutes Gespräch oft das Vertrauen im Team.
At the office, a good conversation often strengthens trust within the team.
unterstützen
Wir haben unseren Nachbarn beim Umzug unterstützt.
We supported our neighbors with their move.
In real life
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