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verstärken
to strengthen
To make something stronger, more intense, or more effective.
example
Die Polizei wird ihre Präsenz in der Innenstadt verstärken.
The police will strengthen their presence in the city center.
verstärken
to strengthen / reinforce / amplify
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The verb is made up of the prefix 'ver-' and the adjective 'stark' (strong). It literally means 'to make strong'. As a verb with the prefix 'ver-', it is inseparable.
EXAMPLE
Durch das Training verstärkte sie ihre Muskulatur.
Through training, she strengthened her muscles.
Context clue
The object of the sentence reveals the exact meaning. If it is something abstract (a feeling, pressure), 'to intensify' is meant. With structures (wall, ceiling), it is about stability; with technology (signal, sound), it is about volume or strength; and with groups (team), it is about adding personnel.
EXAMPLE
Die Regierung verstärkt den Druck auf die Opposition.
The government is increasing pressure on the opposition.
Reflexive use
The reflexive form 'sich verstärken' means that something becomes stronger by itself. The subject of the sentence is the thing whose intensity increases. This is often used for weather phenomena, feelings, or trends.
EXAMPLE
Der Wind hat sich in der Nacht deutlich verstärkt.
The wind intensified noticeably during the night.
Typical collocations
In the general meaning of 'to intensify', 'verstärken' is often combined with abstract nouns. Typical phrases are: 'die Bemühungen verstärken' (to intensify one's efforts), 'die Kontrollen verstärken' (to increase checks), or 'einen Eindruck verstärken' (to reinforce an impression).
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen unsere Bemühungen verstärken, um das Projekt rechtzeitig abzuschließen.
We need to intensify our efforts in order to complete the project on time.
Use in sports
In a sports context, 'verstärken' means to make a team better by adding new players. You can say 'der Verein verstärkt die Mannschaft' (the club strengthens the team) transitively, or 'der Verein verstärkt sich mit einem Spieler' (the club strengthens itself with a player) reflexively.
EXAMPLE
Der Club will sich im Winter mit einem neuen Stürmer verstärken.
The club wants to strengthen its squad in the winter with a new striker.
Compare with
verstärken vs erhöhen
to increase
'erhöhen' and 'verstärken' can both mean that something becomes greater. 'erhöhen' fits especially well with measurable values such as price, temperature, number, or risk. 'verstärken' is used more when something becomes stronger, more intense, or more effective, for example a feeling, a sound, the wind, or an effect. The words can be confused because greater intensity often feels like an increase. When a clear number or value is the focus, 'erhöhen' is more natural. When strength or effect is more important, 'verstärken' fits better.
verstärken
Der starke Regen hat die Probleme im Keller noch verstärkt.
The heavy rain made the problems in the basement even worse.
erhöhen
Morgen erhöht der Anbieter die Gebühr für den Kurs.
Tomorrow, the provider is increasing the fee for the course.
In real life
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