verstopfen
to clog
To block a passage, such as a pipe, drain, or opening, so that liquids or other things can no longer flow through it.
EXAMPLE
Die Haare haben den Abfluss in der Dusche verstopft.
The hair clogged the drain in the shower.
verstopfen
to clog / to block
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Meanings
verstopfen
to constipate
To block the intestines so that normal bowel movement becomes difficult or impossible; to cause constipation.
EXAMPLE
Zu viele Bananen können bei Kleinkindern den Darm verstopfen.
Too many bananas can constipate toddlers.
verstopfen
to clog / block
To block a road or path so that traffic can no longer flow and a traffic jam occurs.
EXAMPLE
Ein Unfall hat die Autobahn auf mehreren Kilometern verstopft.
An accident clogged the highway for several kilometers.
Usage tips
Word structure
The verb is derived from 'stopfen' (to stuff, to cram). The inseparable prefix 'ver-' intensifies the meaning and indicates that the action leads to a complete blockage.
EXAMPLE
Alte Blätter verstopfen oft die Regenrinne.
Old leaves often clog the gutter.
Active and stative passive
You can use the verb actively to name the cause of the blockage (X verstopft Y). Very often, however, the stative passive (Y ist verstopft) is also used to describe the blocked state.
EXAMPLE
Das Fett verstopft den Abfluss.
The grease clogs the drain.
Context clue
The object of the verb makes the meaning clear. With 'Rohr' (pipe) or 'Abfluss' (drain), it refers to a physical blockage. With 'Straße' (road) or 'Autobahn' (highway), it means a traffic jam. In a medical context, it refers to the intestines.
EXAMPLE
Ein umgefallener Baum verstopft die Landstraße.
A fallen tree is blocking the country road.
Typical causes
When referring to drains or pipes, the typical things that clog something are 'Haare' (hair), 'Fett' (grease), or 'Essensreste' (food scraps).
EXAMPLE
Man sollte kein heißes Fett in den Abfluss gießen, weil es ihn verstopfen kann.
You shouldn't pour hot grease down the drain because it can clog it.
Compare with
verstopfen vs blockieren
to block
Blockieren generally means making a passage impassable. Verstopfen is used especially when accumulated substances or objects prevent flow through a pipe or drain. Thus, a single obstacle can block something, while hair, for example, can clog a drain.
verstopfen
Haare und Seifenreste verstopfen den Abfluss des Waschbeckens.
Hair and soap residue are clogging the sink drain.
blockieren
Ein kleiner Deckel blockiert den Abfluss des Waschbeckens.
A small lid is blocking the sink drain.
In real life
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