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
When talking about pollutants, both „belasten“ and „verschmutzen“ can be used. „Verschmutzen“ emphasizes the contamination of air, water, or soil; „belasten“ focuses more on the harmful effect of the substances on the environment or organisms. The two meanings can overlap.
Der ausgelaufene Treibstoff verschmutzt das Wasser deutlich sichtbar.
The spilled fuel is visibly polluting the water.
Die Abgase belasten die Luft und gefährden die Gesundheit der Anwohner.
The exhaust fumes are polluting the air and endangering the residents’ health.
