to contaminate
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contaminate
To pollute something with pathogens, poison, or other harmful substances and make it dangerous. This often affects water, soil, or food.
Ein Chemieunfall hat das Grundwasser in der gesamten Region verseucht.
A chemical accident contaminated the groundwater throughout the entire region.
poison
In a figurative sense: to have a negative, harmful, or corrupting effect on something, for example on the atmosphere in a group or on public opinion.
Seine ständigen Lügen haben das Vertrauen im Team komplett verseucht.
His constant lies completely poisoned the trust within the team.
'Verseuchen' (to contaminate) is an inseparable verb. It is derived from the noun 'die Seuche' (an infectious disease). The prefix 'ver-' describes here a process that changes something negatively—so, to cover something 'with a plague.'
Die Fabrik hat den Fluss mit Chemikalien verseucht.
The factory contaminated the river with chemicals.
The verb is often used in the passive to describe the state, e.g. 'Das Wasser ist verseucht' (the water is contaminated). If the substance causing the contamination is named, you use the preposition 'mit' (+ dative).
Der Acker wurde mit Pestiziden verseucht.
The field was contaminated with pesticides.
You can recognize the meaning from the object: if it is something physical like 'Wasser' (water), 'Boden' (soil), or 'Lebensmittel' (food), the literal meaning is intended. With abstract nouns like 'Atmosphäre' (atmosphere), 'Vertrauen' (trust), or 'Gesellschaft' (society), the figurative meaning is intended.
Ein Tankerunglück verseuchte die Küste mit Öl.
A tanker accident contaminated the coast with oil.
In the figurative meaning, 'verseuchen' (to poison) is often combined with abstract concepts. Typical phrases are 'die Atmosphäre verseuchen' (to poison the atmosphere), 'das politische Klima verseuchen' (to poison the political climate), or 'das Denken verseuchen' (to poison people's thinking).
Sein ständiges Misstrauen hat die Arbeitsatmosphäre im Büro völlig verseucht.
His constant mistrust completely poisoned the working atmosphere in the office.
to poison
Both verbs can mean that water, soil, or food is dangerously contaminated. „Vergiften“ emphasizes toxic substances. „Verseuchen“ is broader and highlights contamination by pathogens or other harmful substances.
Die Bakterien verseuchten den Fluss nach dem Hochwasser.
The bacteria contaminated the river after the flooding.
Die Chemikalien aus der Fabrik vergifteten den Fluss.
The chemicals from the factory poisoned the river.
