spread / distribution
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spread
The process by which something (e.g., information, a disease, ideas) extends over a large area or reaches many people.
Die schnelle Verbreitung der Nachricht wurde durch soziale Medien ermöglicht.
The rapid spread of the news was made possible by social media.
distribution
The geographical area in which a particular animal or plant species occurs.
Die Verbreitung des Wolfs in Deutschland nimmt wieder zu.
The distribution of wolves in Germany is increasing again.
distribution
The distribution or circulation of a product, especially printed materials such as books or newspapers.
Der Verlag kümmert sich um die weltweite Verbreitung des Bestsellers.
The publisher takes care of the worldwide distribution of the bestseller.
The noun 'die Verbreitung' (spread/distribution) comes from the verb 'verbreiten' (to spread/distribute). This verb is made up of the prefix 'ver-' and the adjective 'breit' (wide/broad), and literally means to make something 'wide' or to extend it.
Das Internet hilft dabei, neue Ideen schnell zu verbreiten.
The internet helps spread new ideas quickly.
To express what is spreading, the genitive is often used. Alternatively, especially in spoken language, you can also use the preposition 'von' with the dative.
Die Verbreitung des neuen Produkts läuft sehr gut.
The distribution of the new product is going very well.
In connection with news or diseases, you often hear about 'schnelle' or 'rasche Verbreitung' (rapid spread). Typical verbs are 'verhindern' (to prevent), 'stoppen' (to stop), or 'eindämmen' (to contain).
Die Regierung versucht, die Verbreitung des Virus einzudämmen.
The government is trying to contain the spread of the virus.
When it is about biology or geography, 'Verbreitung' means the spatial distribution of a species. Signal words for this include 'Tierart' (animal species), 'Pflanze' (plant), 'Lebensraum' (habitat), or geographical names.
Die Karte zeigt die Verbreitung dieser Pflanzenart in Europa.
The map shows the distribution of this plant species in Europe.
to occur / seem
Vorkommen says that an animal or plant species can be found in a particular place. Verbreitung, by contrast, describes the geographical extent or pattern of its occurrence. Use „vorkommen“ for individual locations and „Verbreitung“ when the area as a whole is the focus.
Die Verbreitung des Luchses konzentriert sich in dieser Region auf die Bergwälder.
In this region, the lynx's distribution is concentrated in the mountain forests.
Der Luchs kommt in dieser Region nur in den Bergwäldern vor.
The lynx occurs only in the mountain forests in this region.
