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vergolden
to gild
To cover something with a thin layer of gold.
example
Der Juwelier hat den Silberring für sie vergoldet.
The jeweler gilded the silver ring for her.
vergolden
to gild
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
'Vergolden' (to gild) is an inseparable verb formed according to the pattern 'ver- + noun/adjective + -en'. It consists of the prefix 'ver-' and the noun 'Gold' (gold) and literally means 'to provide something with gold'.
EXAMPLE
Er ließ die alte Uhr seiner Großmutter neu vergolden.
He had his grandmother's old watch gilded again.
Context clue
You can recognize the figurative meaning when something abstract is 'vergoldet' (gilded), something that cannot really be covered with gold. This includes, for example, memories, the past, or words.
EXAMPLE
In seiner Autobiografie vergoldet er seine Jugendzeit und lässt alles Negative weg.
In his autobiography, he gilds his youth and leaves out everything negative.
Typical objects
In the literal meaning, 'vergolden' (to gild) is used for objects that you want to decorate or enhance. Typical objects are jewelry (rings, necklaces), cutlery, or picture frames.
EXAMPLE
Sie möchte ihren silbernen Armreif vergolden lassen.
She wants to have her silver bangle gilded.
Compare with
vergolden vs überziehen
to put on / overdraw / coat
'überziehen' and 'vergolden' can both mean that a surface is covered with a layer. 'überziehen' is more general: the layer can be made of chocolate, paint, varnish, or another material. 'vergolden' is more specific and means that the layer is made of gold or is meant to look like gold. The words can be confused because when you gild something, you are in fact coating it. If the material is important and gold is meant, 'vergolden' fits better. If the idea is simply covering something with any kind of layer, use 'überziehen'.
vergolden
Der alte Bilderrahmen wird in der Werkstatt neu vergoldet.
The old picture frame is being gilded again in the workshop.
überziehen
Die Bäckerin überzieht den Kuchen mit einer dünnen Schicht Schokolade.
The baker coats the cake with a thin layer of chocolate.
In real life
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