to fuse / merge
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to fuse
To liquefy, often through heat, and combine into a single, inseparable mass. Usually refers to materials such as metals or plastics.
Die beiden Plastikteile sind in der Sonne zu einem Klumpen verschmolzen.
The two plastic parts fused into one lump in the sun.
to merge
In a figurative sense: to combine into a new, unified whole. Refers to companies, cultures, ideas, or artistic styles.
In ihrer Musik verschmelzen traditionelle afrikanische Rhythmen mit modernem Jazz.
In her music, traditional African rhythms merge with modern jazz.
The verb is made up of the prefix 'ver-' and the verb 'schmelzen' (to melt). 'Schmelzen' means 'to become liquid'. The prefix 'ver-' intensifies this into a complete, often irreversible process of unification.
Der Goldschmied verschmolz die beiden Ringe zu einem neuen Schmuckstück.
The goldsmith fused the two rings into a new piece of jewelry.
The perfect tense of 'verschmelzen' (to fuse / merge) is always formed with the auxiliary verb 'sein', because it describes a change of state. So it is 'ist verschmolzen', not 'hat verschmolzen'.
Die beiden Unternehmen sind letztes Jahr zu einem großen Konzern verschmolzen.
The two companies merged into a large corporation last year.
'Verschmelzen' is often used with the prepositions 'mit' (dative) or 'zu' (dative). 'Mit' describes what something fuses or merges with, and 'zu' describes the result of the fusion or merger.
Die kleine Firma ist mit einem internationalen Konzern verschmolzen.
The small company merged with an international corporation.
You can recognize the figurative meaning from the context. When abstract things like companies, cultures, ideas, or musical styles are involved, the meaning is always figurative, not physical melting.
In dieser Stadt verschmelzen Ost und West.
East and West merge in this city.
to connect / to bandage
Verbinden means that materials are linked or fastened together while still possibly remaining separate parts. When they verschmelzen, by contrast, they often become a single inseparable mass through heat. Verbinden is therefore more appropriate for a connection that can be undone or whose individual parts remain recognizable.
Durch die starke Hitze verschmelzen die beiden Metallteile zu einer festen Masse.
The intense heat fuses the two metal parts into a solid mass.
Die Arbeiter verbinden die beiden Metallteile mit Schrauben.
The workers connect the two metal parts with screws.
