to pollute / soil
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to pollute / soil
To make something dirty or contaminate it. This can refer to concrete objects like clothing or, on a larger scale, to the environment.
Die Fabrikabwässer verschmutzen den nahegelegenen Fluss.
The factory wastewater is polluting the nearby river.
The verb 'verschmutzen' (to pollute/soil) is derived from the noun 'der Schmutz' (dirt). The prefix 'ver-' expresses a change to a negative state here—so, making something dirty. As a verb with 'ver-', it is inseparable.
Bitte pass auf, dass du dein neues Hemd nicht verschmutzt.
Please be careful not to soil your new shirt.
'Verschmutzen' (to pollute/soil) is usually used transitively. This means it needs an accusative object that describes what is being made dirty. The subject is often something that causes the pollution or soiling.
Das ausgelaufene Öl verschmutzte den ganzen Strand.
The spilled oil polluted the entire beach.
The verb is used in two main contexts: on a large scale for environmental pollution, and on a small scale for everyday things. Typical objects are 'die Umwelt' (the environment), 'die Luft' (the air), 'das Wasser' (the water), or 'Kleidung' (clothing) and 'der Boden' (the ground/floor).
Die Industrie muss mehr tun, um die Umwelt nicht weiter zu verschmutzen.
Industry must do more to avoid polluting the environment further.
to burden / charge
'belasten' and 'verschmutzen' can both be used when talking about the environment and pollutants. 'verschmutzen' means that something becomes dirty or unclean, for example water, air, clothing, or a street. 'belasten' puts more emphasis on the harmful effect of pollutants on the environment or on an organism. So people often say that exhaust fumes 'die Luft verschmutzen' (pollute the air) and 'die Umwelt belasten' (burden / harm the environment). 'verschmutzen' is more concrete and visible, while 'belasten' sounds more like damage or strain.
Plastikflaschen verschmutzen den Fluss hinter dem Dorf.
Plastic bottles are polluting the river behind the village.
Die Abgase der Fabrik belasten die Luft in der ganzen Stadt.
The factory's exhaust fumes pollute the air throughout the city.