01
verändern
to change
To make something different in its condition, form, or character.
example
Sie hat ihre Frisur komplett verändert.
She completely changed her hairstyle.
verändern
to change
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Verändern' (to change) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'ver-' remains firmly attached to the verb stem in all tenses and sentence constructions.
EXAMPLE
Das Internet hat die Art, wie wir kommunizieren, verändert.
The internet has changed the way we communicate.
Transitive vs. reflexive
Pay attention to the difference: 'etwas verändern' (to change something) means that a person or thing actively causes a change. 'Sich verändern' (to change) means that a person or thing becomes different on its own.
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen unsere Strategie dringend verändern.
We urgently need to change our strategy.
Typical subjects
When something changes, typical subjects are often abstract concepts like 'die Zeiten' (the times), 'die Welt' (the world), 'die Mode' (fashion), or also people and places.
EXAMPLE
Die Zeiten haben sich seit meiner Jugend stark verändert.
The times have changed a lot since my youth.
Compare with
verändern vs lassen
to let / to have
'lassen' and 'verändern' form a clear contrast here. 'lassen' means that something stays the way it is. You do not make anything different about it. 'verändern' means that you make something different, for example its form, the plan, or its state. If you want to keep the current state, 'lassen' fits. If something is meant to become different, 'verändern' fits.
verändern
Vor der Reise haben wir den Plan noch einmal verändert.
Before the trip, we changed the plan once more.
lassen
Wir lassen die Wand weiß, weil der Raum sonst zu dunkel wirkt.
We are leaving the wall white because otherwise the room looks too dark.
In real life
Loading video examples...