to stretch
Loading your saved state.
to stretch
To deliberately extend one's limbs or body, often to relax the muscles or after waking up.
Jeden Morgen nach dem Aufstehen muss ich mich erst einmal ausgiebig strecken.
Every morning after getting up, I first have to stretch thoroughly.
The verb 'strecken' (to stretch) is related to the noun 'die Strecke' (distance/route). Both words contain the idea of length, distance, or extension.
Die Läufer müssen eine lange Strecke zurücklegen.
The runners have to cover a long distance.
You can recognize the meaning of 'strecken' from context: the reflexive pronoun 'sich' points to the body movement. The preposition 'mit' plus a substance points to dilution. Abstract nouns such as 'Budget' (budget) or 'Geld' (money) point to extending something over time.
Ich strecke mich jeden Morgen im Bett.
I stretch in bed every morning.
In this meaning, 'strecken' is always a reflexive verb. The reflexive pronoun ('mich', 'dich', 'sich', etc.) is in the accusative and is necessary.
Die Katze streckt sich genüsslich in der Sonne.
The cat stretches contentedly in the sun.
When 'strecken' means to dilute, the substance that is added is introduced with the preposition 'mit' + dative.
Die Soße wurde mit Sahne gestreckt, um sie milder zu machen.
The sauce was diluted with cream to make it milder.
This abstract meaning is often used with financial or material resources. Typical nouns are 'das Budget' (the budget), 'das Geld' (the money), or 'die Vorräte' (the supplies).
Um Geld zu sparen, müssen wir das Heizöl über den Winter strecken.
To save money, we have to stretch the heating oil through the winter.
The expression 'jemanden zu Boden strecken' (to knock someone to the ground) is a fixed unit. It means to bring someone down with a blow or shove.
Mit einem gezielten Hieb streckte der Ritter seinen Gegner zu Boden.
With a well-aimed blow, the knight knocked his opponent to the ground.
to distribute / spread
'verteilen' and 'strecken' can both have to do with something not being used up or given all at once. 'verteilen' is used when something is divided among several people, places, or parts. 'strecken' is used more when an amount or period of time is supposed to last longer. This often involves money, supplies, or work. 'verteilen' sounds more neutral and concrete. 'strecken' emphasizes more strongly: it should last longer.
Timo streckt seine Ersparnisse, damit das Geld bis zur Reise reicht.
Timo is stretching his savings so that the money lasts until the trip.
Nach dem Unterricht hat die Lehrerin die Aufgaben an die Gruppen verteilt.
After the lesson, the teacher distributed the tasks among the groups.