01
verbiegen
to bend
To bend something through force so that it becomes crooked or loses its original shape.
example
Ich habe aus Versehen den Schlüssel im Schloss verbogen.
I accidentally bent the key in the lock.
verbiegen
to bend / distort
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Verbiegen' (to bend/distort) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'ver-' stays firmly attached to the verb stem 'biegen' (to bend) in all tenses and sentence constructions. It often points to an incorrect or negative result.
EXAMPLE
Er hat den Fahrradlenker bei dem Sturz verbogen.
He bent the bicycle handlebars in the fall.
Recognizing the meaning
You can recognize the meaning of 'verbiegen' (to bend/distort) from the object: with a physical object, e.g. 'Metall' (metal), it is meant literally. If the verb is reflexive, 'sich verbiegen' (to compromise oneself), it is about character. With an abstract object, e.g. 'die Wahrheit' (the truth), it means 'verdrehen' (to twist/distort).
EXAMPLE
Der starke Wind hat das Verkehrsschild verbogen.
The strong wind bent the traffic sign.
Reflexive use
The figurative meaning of adapting one's personality is always expressed reflexively with 'sich verbiegen' (to compromise oneself). It often appears in a context where someone should not or does not have to do exactly that.
EXAMPLE
Es ist wichtig, authentisch zu sein und sich nicht zu verbiegen.
It is important to be authentic and not to compromise yourself.
Compare with
verbiegen vs manipulieren
to manipulate
'manipulieren' and 'verbiegen' can both mean that something is deliberately pushed in a false direction. 'manipulieren' is often used when someone secretly and unfairly influences people, decisions, or situations. 'verbiegen' is especially appropriate when facts, the truth, or the law are twisted. Learners may confuse the words because both can describe something dishonest. A practical tip: people or decisions are more likely to be 'manipuliert', while facts or the truth are more likely to be 'verbogen'.
verbiegen
Der Politiker verbiegt die Wahrheit, damit seine Geschichte besser klingt.
The politician twists the truth so that his story sounds better.
manipulieren
Im Gespräch versucht er seinen Freund zu manipulieren.
In the conversation, he tries to manipulate his friend.
In real life
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