sich vermehren
to reproduce
The number of living beings (people, animals, plants) increases through reproduction.
EXAMPLE
Kaninchen vermehren sich sehr schnell.
Rabbits reproduce very quickly.
vermehren
to reproduce / increase
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Meanings
vermehren
to increase
To increase the amount or value of something.
EXAMPLE
Er hat sein Vermögen durch kluge Investitionen vermehrt.
He increased his fortune through smart investments.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word 'vermehren' (to reproduce / increase) is inseparable and is derived from the word 'mehr' (more). The prefix 'ver-' here strengthens the idea of increase that is already contained in the root 'mehr'.
EXAMPLE
Durch die neuen Maßnahmen soll die Sicherheit vermehrt werden.
The new measures are intended to increase safety.
Reflexive vs. transitive
The use of 'vermehren' (to reproduce / increase) changes the meaning. 'Sich vermehren' (reflexive; to reproduce) is used for living beings that reproduce. 'Etwas vermehren' (transitive with an accusative object; to increase something) means to increase an amount or a value.
EXAMPLE
Die Algen im Teich haben sich stark vermehrt.
The algae in the pond have reproduced rapidly.
Context: living beings
The reflexive form 'sich vermehren' (to reproduce) is used almost exclusively in biological contexts for animals, plants, bacteria, or cells. Typical adverbs are 'schnell' (quickly), 'rasant' (rapidly), or 'unkontrolliert' (uncontrollably).
EXAMPLE
In diesem feuchten Klima vermehren sich die Mücken rasant.
In this humid climate, mosquitoes reproduce rapidly.
Context: possessions and knowledge
The transitive form 'etwas vermehren' (to increase something) is often used for abstract things or possessions. Typical objects are 'das Vermögen' (fortune), 'das Kapital' (capital), 'das Wissen' (knowledge), or 'den Reichtum' (wealth).
EXAMPLE
Durch Lesen kann man sein Wissen täglich vermehren.
By reading, you can increase your knowledge every day.
In real life
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