01
vereinigen
to unite
To bring two or more separate things, groups, or territories together into a single unit.
example
Die beiden Parteien beschlossen, ihre Kräfte zu vereinigen.
The two parties decided to unite their forces.
vereinigen
to unite / merge
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Meanings
01 / 03
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is derived from 'ein' (one, the number 1). The prefix 'ver-' and the ending '-igen' turn it into a verb that means to make things 'into one unit.'
EXAMPLE
Das Ziel ist es, die beiden Abteilungen zu vereinigen.
The goal is to unite the two departments.
Inseparable verb
The prefix 'ver-' is inseparable. It stays directly attached to the verb stem in all sentence forms and tenses.
EXAMPLE
Die Band hat sich nach langer Pause wieder vereinigt.
The band reunited after a long break.
Transitive vs. reflexive
This verb has two important structures: you can actively unite something (transitive), or things can join together (reflexive). The reflexive form 'sich vereinigen' (to unite/merge) is very common.
EXAMPLE
Der Manager will die beiden Teams vereinigen.
The manager wants to unite the two teams.
Typical collocations
In the transitive form, 'vereinigen' (to unite) is often used for large, abstract things. Typical objects are: countries, companies, forces, or qualities.
EXAMPLE
Das neue Produkt vereinigt Design und Funktionalität.
The new product unites design and functionality.
Sentence structure with 'zu'
When something joins together into a new unit, the preposition 'zu' + dative is often used. For example: 'sich zu einer Gruppe vereinigen' (to unite into a group), 'sich zu einem Strom vereinigen' (to merge into a stream).
EXAMPLE
Die Demonstranten vereinigten sich zu einem großen Protestzug.
The demonstrators united into a large protest march.
Compare with
vereinigen vs verbinden
to connect / to bandage
'verbinden' and 'vereinigen' both have to do with bringing things together. 'verbinden' is broader: it can refer to technical parts, ideas, qualities, or groups that are related to each other. 'vereinigen' is stronger and usually means that separate things, groups, or territories become one unit. That is why 'vereinigen' often sounds more suitable for organizations, countries, or groups. Learners may confuse the words because both express coming together. The important difference is: 'verbinden' can simply create a connection, while 'vereinigen' is more about turning things into a shared unit.
vereinigen
Die beiden Vereine haben sich zu einem großen Sportclub vereinigt.
The two clubs merged into one large sports club.
verbinden
Das neue Programm verbindet einfache Bedienung mit hoher Sicherheit.
The new program combines ease of use with high security.
In real life
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