01
üben
to practice
To perform an activity or skill repeatedly in order to learn or improve it.
example
Um ein Instrument zu meistern, muss man jeden Tag üben.
To master an instrument, you have to practice every day.
üben
to practice
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Sentence structure
The verb 'üben' (to practice) can either be used with an accusative object that describes what you are learning, or it can be used without an object.
EXAMPLE
Ich übe jeden Tag Gitarre.
I practice guitar every day.
Typical collocations
In this meaning, 'üben' (to exercise/exert) is used with abstract nouns in fixed expressions. Typical phrases are 'Kritik üben' (to criticize / level criticism), 'Druck üben' (to exert pressure), or 'Rache üben' (to take revenge).
EXAMPLE
Die Journalisten übten scharfe Kritik an den neuen Gesetzen.
The journalists leveled sharp criticism at the new laws.
Reflexive expression
To express that you are making an effort to develop a quality, you use the reflexive construction 'sich üben in' (to practice / cultivate) followed by a noun in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Er ist sehr impulsiv und muss sich in Selbstbeherrschung üben.
He is very impulsive and has to practice self-control.
Register
The use of 'üben' (to exercise/exert) with abstract nouns like 'Kritik' (criticism) or 'Druck' (pressure) is typical of formal written language and is used less often in everyday speech.
EXAMPLE
Der Verband übte erheblichen Druck auf die Politik aus.
The association exerted considerable pressure on policymakers.
Compare with
üben vs spielen
to play
'spielen' and 'üben' can appear in similar situations with music, sports, or games. The difference lies in the goal. 'spielen' means that you are doing an activity, often for fun, according to rules, or in front of others. 'üben' means that you do something repeatedly in order to get better. Learners may confuse them because, for example, you can both 'Klavier spielen' (play the piano) and 'Klavier üben' (practice the piano). If the fun or the activity itself is important, 'spielen' fits. If learning and improvement are important, 'üben' fits.
üben
Erik hat vor dem Vorspiel jeden Tag eine Stunde Klavier geübt.
Erik practiced piano for an hour every day before the recital.
spielen
Am Abend spielt Tom mit seinen Freunden Fußball im Park.
In the evening, Tom plays soccer with his friends in the park.
In real life
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