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verbreitet
widespread
Occurring in many places, known among many people, or common; widely spread.
example
Diese Meinung ist in der Bevölkerung weit verbreitet.
This opinion is widespread among the population.
verbreitet
widespread
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
'Verbreitet' (widespread) is the past participle of the verb 'verbreiten' (to spread). The adjective therefore describes the state of something that has already been distributed or spread out.
EXAMPLE
Das Gerücht hat sich schnell im ganzen Dorf verbreitet.
The rumor spread quickly throughout the whole village.
Typical collocations
'Verbreitet' (widespread) is very often strengthened or weakened by an adverb. The most common combination is 'weit verbreitet' (widespread). Other typical patterns are 'stark verbreitet' (very widespread) or 'wenig verbreitet' (not very widespread).
EXAMPLE
Der Irrglaube, dass man im Winter Vitamine braucht, ist weit verbreitet.
The misconception that you need vitamins in winter is widespread.
Sentence structure and usage
To name the place or group where something is widespread, you usually use the prepositions 'in' or 'unter' (among). For example: 'verbreitet in einer Region' (widespread in a region) or 'verbreitet unter Jugendlichen' (widespread among young people).
EXAMPLE
Diese Tradition ist vor allem in Süddeutschland verbreitet.
This tradition is widespread especially in southern Germany.
Compare with
verbreitet vs bekannt
known
'bekannt' and 'verbreitet' can both express that many people know something. The difference is in the focus: 'bekannt' mainly says that people have heard of something or know it. 'verbreitet' more often says that something occurs in many places or is common among many people. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with 'many people'. For people, names, or brands, 'bekannt' often sounds more natural; for habits, problems, or species, 'verbreitet' fits better.
verbreitet
Kartenzahlung ist in vielen Geschäften inzwischen weit verbreitet.
Card payment is now widespread in many shops.
bekannt
Diese Sängerin ist in ganz Deutschland bekannt.
This singer is well-known throughout Germany.
In real life
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