01
verbinden
to connect
To physically or technically link or join two or more things together.
example
Der Elektriker muss die beiden Kabel korrekt miteinander verbinden.
The electrician has to connect the two cables correctly.
verbinden
to connect / to bandage
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Verbinden' (to connect / to bandage) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'ver-' remains firmly attached to the verb stem 'binden' (to bind) in all tenses and sentence positions.
EXAMPLE
Ich verbinde mein Handy mit dem WLAN.
I connect my phone to the Wi-Fi.
Word family
The verb 'verbinden' (to connect / to bandage) is the basis for important nouns like 'die Verbindung' (connection) and 'der Verband' (bandage; association). The different meanings of the verb are reflected in these nouns.
EXAMPLE
Die Verbindung zum Server ist fehlgeschlagen.
The connection to the server failed.
Sentence structure with 'mit'
In many meanings (physical, telephone-related, mental), 'verbinden' (to connect) follows the pattern 'etwas/jemanden mit etwas/jemandem verbinden' (to connect something/someone with something/someone). The preposition 'mit' (with) is crucial here.
EXAMPLE
Diese Brücke verbindet die Insel mit dem Festland.
This bridge connects the island with the mainland.
Fixed expression on the phone
In a telephone context, the question 'Können Sie mich bitte mit [Person/Abteilung] verbinden?' (Could you please connect me to [person/department]?) is a very polite and common phrasing to ask to be transferred.
EXAMPLE
Einen Moment, ich verbinde Sie mit der zuständigen Kollegin.
One moment, I will connect you to the colleague responsible.
Medical context
In a medical context, 'verbinden' (to bandage) means treating a wound with a bandage. The object of the sentence is the wound or the injured body part.
EXAMPLE
Die Krankenschwester hat ihm die Wunde professionell verbunden.
The nurse bandaged his wound professionally.
Reflexive use
The reflexive form 'sich verbinden' (to unite / to join together) means that people or groups join together to form a coalition or alliance. It emphasizes the shared action.
EXAMPLE
Die beiden Firmen haben sich verbunden, um ein neues Produkt zu entwickeln.
The two companies united to develop a new product.
Compare with
verbinden vs herstellen
to produce / establish
'verbinden' and 'herstellen' can both be used when a connection is made. 'verbinden' emphasizes that two things or people are linked with each other, for example cables, devices, or a phone call. 'herstellen' emphasizes more that something is created or made possible, for example a connection, a contact, or a state. So you can 'eine Verbindung herstellen' (establish a connection) and thereby 'zwei Geräte verbinden' (connect two devices). The words can be confused especially in technology and phone contexts. In practical terms: 'verbinden' is more about asking 'What is being linked with what?', while 'herstellen' is more about asking 'What is being brought about?'
verbinden
Am Montag verbindet der Techniker den Drucker mit dem neuen Netzwerk.
On Monday, the technician connects the printer to the new network.
herstellen
Nach dem Neustart stellt das Handy wieder eine Verbindung zum WLAN her.
After the restart, the phone establishes a connection to the Wi-Fi again.
In real life
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