01
verdünnen
to dilute
To make a liquid less concentrated by adding another liquid, usually water.
example
Du solltest den Saft mit etwas Wasser verdünnen, er ist sehr süß.
You should dilute the juice with a little water; it's very sweet.
verdünnen
to dilute / thin
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The verb 'verdünnen' (to dilute/thin) is formed from the prefix 'ver-' and the adjective 'dünn' (thin). This pattern often means 'to make something [adjective]', as also in 'verbessern' (to make better) or 'verkleinern' (to make smaller).
EXAMPLE
Kannst du die Farbe bitte etwas verdünnen?
Can you please dilute the paint a little?
Transitive vs. reflexive
Pay attention to the difference: 'etwas verdünnen' (to dilute something) is transitive and means that someone actively mixes a liquid. 'Sich verdünnen' (to thin out) is reflexive and describes a process in which something becomes less dense on its own, such as fog or a crowd.
EXAMPLE
Ich verdünne die Suppe mit etwas Brühe.
I dilute the soup with a little broth.
Sentence structure with 'mit'
When you dilute a liquid, use the structure: 'etwas (accusative) mit etwas (dative) verdünnen' (to dilute something with something). The preposition 'mit' indicates what is added.
EXAMPLE
Der Maler verdünnt die Lackfarbe mit einem speziellen Lösungsmittel.
The painter dilutes the enamel paint with a special solvent.
Compare with
verdünnen vs verstärken
to strengthen / reinforce / amplify
'verstärken' and 'verdünnen' are opposites when it comes to concentration or effect. 'verstärken' makes something stronger, more intense, or more effective. 'verdünnen' makes something, especially a liquid, less concentrated, usually by adding water or another liquid. Figuratively, 'verdünnen' can also mean that an effect becomes weaker. With taste, color, or liquids, the contrast is easy to see: more strength means 'verstärken', less concentration means 'verdünnen'.
verdünnen
Leon verdünnt den Saft mit Wasser, weil er ihm zu süß ist.
Leon dilutes the juice with water because it is too sweet for him.
verstärken
Ein wenig Zitronensaft verstärkt den frischen Geschmack des Salats.
A little lemon juice enhances the fresh taste of the salad.
In real life
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