01
verbreitern
to widen
To make something larger or more extended in its width.
example
Die Stadt plant, die Hauptstraße zu verbreitern, um den Verkehr zu entlasten.
The city plans to widen the main road in order to ease traffic.
verbreitern
to widen
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The verb 'verbreitern' (to widen) is derived from the adjective 'breit' (wide). The prefix 'ver-' and the ending '-ern' turn it into a verb meaning 'to make wider.'
EXAMPLE
Die Firma will ihr Produktangebot verbreitern.
The company wants to widen its product range.
Inseparable verb
'Verbreitern' (to widen) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'ver-' remains firmly attached to the verb stem in all tenses and sentence constructions.
EXAMPLE
Man hat die Brücke letztes Jahr verbreitert.
The bridge was widened last year.
Transitive vs. reflexive
This verb can be used transitively (someone widens something) or reflexively (something widens itself: 'etwas verbreitert sich'). The reflexive form describes a process that happens by itself.
EXAMPLE
Die Bauarbeiter verbreitern die Einfahrt.
The construction workers are widening the driveway.
Typical collocations
'Verbreitern' (to widen) is often used in the context of construction work ('Straße' = road, 'Weg' = path) or figuratively, e.g. 'seinen Horizont verbreitern' (to broaden one's horizons), 'sein Wissen verbreitern' (to broaden one's knowledge), or 'die Kundenbasis verbreitern' (to broaden the customer base).
EXAMPLE
Wir sollten unseren Horizont verbreitern und neue Kulturen kennenlernen.
We should broaden our horizons and get to know new cultures.
Compare with
verbreitern vs verbreiten
to spread
'verbreiten' and 'verbreitern' look very similar, but they do not mean the same thing. 'verbreiten' is used for information, rumors, ideas, smells, or also for something that expands across an area. 'verbreitern' comes from 'breit' (wide) and means that something becomes wider or is made wider. The risk of confusion mainly comes from the similar form. Memory tip: news and smells 'verbreiten sich' (spread); roads, paths, or doors are 'verbreitert' (widened).
verbreitern
Die Stadt verbreitert den Radweg, damit dort mehr Platz ist.
The city is widening the bike path so there is more space there.
verbreiten
Der Kunde erzählt es weiter, weil sich die Nachricht schnell verbreiten soll.
The customer tells others because the news is supposed to spread quickly.
In real life
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