to block / to ruin
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to block
To block access to something or the view of something by constructing a building or structure.
Das neue Hochhaus hat uns die schöne Aussicht auf die Berge verbaut.
The new high-rise blocked our beautiful view of the mountains.
'Verbauen' (to block / to ruin) is an inseparable verb because it begins with 'ver-'. The prefix remains firmly attached to the stem 'bauen' (to build) in all tenses and sentence constructions.
Er hat sich mit dieser Entscheidung die Zukunft verbaut.
With this decision, he ruined his future for himself.
The prefix 'ver-' often has a negative meaning here or indicates a result. It can mean that something is done incorrectly, is blocked, or comes to an end.
Pass auf, dass du dir nicht den Weg nach oben verbaust.
Be careful not to block your own path to the top.
You can recognize the meaning of 'verbauen' (to block / to ruin) from the object: If it is about a view, it means 'block'. With abstract things like 'Karriere' (career) or 'Zukunft' (future), it means 'ruin'. With building materials, it means 'use up'.
Das neue Hotel verbaut allen Anwohnern den Meerblick.
The new hotel blocks all the residents' sea view.
In the figurative meaning 'to take away one's chances', the verb is reflexive and requires the dative. The structure is: person (subject) + verbaut + sich (dative) + chance (accusative).
Durch deine Faulheit verbaust du dir eine gute Note.
Through your laziness, you are ruining your chance of a good grade for yourself.
to install / incorporate
'einbauen' and 'verbauen' sound similar and both have to do with building, but they do not mean the same thing. 'einbauen' is used when you install something firmly into a larger whole, for example a window, a shelf, or a device. 'verbauen' here means that a building or structure blocks access or the view. Learners may confuse the words because of their similar form. As a simple guide: you use 'einbauen' when something becomes part of something else; you use 'verbauen' when something is blocked as a result.
Das neue Haus verbaut den Nachbarn die Sicht auf den See.
The new house blocks the neighbors' view of the lake.
Der Handwerker baut heute eine neue Dusche im Bad ein.
The craftsman is installing a new shower in the bathroom today.