to realize / fulfill
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to realize / fulfill
To put a plan, dream, or idea into action; to make something become real.
Nach Jahren harter Arbeit konnte er endlich seinen Traum vom eigenen Restaurant verwirklichen.
After years of hard work, he was finally able to fulfill his dream of having his own restaurant.
The verb 'verwirklichen' (to realize/fulfill) is made up of the prefix 'ver-' and the adjective 'wirklich' (real). It literally means 'to make real' and helps you remember the meaning 'to make something become real.'
Sie arbeitet hart, um ihre Pläne zu verwirklichen.
She works hard to realize her plans.
'Verwirklichen' means 'to put a plan into action' or 'to make a dream come true.' It is a false friend of the English verb 'to realize' when that means 'to notice' or 'to understand.'
Er konnte seinen Traum verwirklichen und die Welt bereisen.
He was able to fulfill his dream and travel the world.
This verb is almost always combined with abstract goals that one turns into reality. Common objects are: 'einen Traum' (a dream), 'eine Idee' (an idea), 'einen Plan' (a plan), or 'ein Projekt' (a project).
Es ist nicht immer einfach, eine gute Idee zu verwirklichen.
It is not always easy to realize a good idea.
The reflexive form 'sich verwirklichen' (to realize oneself) means to develop one's personal potential. It is often used in the context of work, art, or personal life goals.
Im Ruhestand hat er endlich Zeit, sich künstlerisch zu verwirklichen.
In retirement, he finally has time to realize himself artistically.
to reach
'erreichen' and 'verwirklichen' can both have to do with goals and plans. 'erreichen' says that you have achieved a goal or desired state. 'verwirklichen' puts more emphasis on a plan, dream, or idea actually being put into action. So you are more likely to 'erreichen' a goal, but to 'verwirklichen' a dream or idea. Both words can fit in similar situations, but 'verwirklichen' sounds more specifically like implementation and personal desire.
Nach langer Planung verwirklicht Maria ihren Traum von einem kleinen Laden.
After a long period of planning, Maria is fulfilling her dream of having a small shop.
Bis Ende des Jahres möchte das Team sein wichtigstes Ziel erreichen.
By the end of the year, the team wants to achieve its most important goal.