to consume / to pine
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to consume
To take in food or drinks; to eat or drink. The term is more formal and elevated than 'essen' (to eat).
Im Kino ist der Verzehr von mitgebrachten Speisen und Getränken nicht gestattet.
In the cinema, the consumption of food and drinks brought from outside is not permitted.
'Verzehren' (to consume) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'ver-' always stays attached to the stem 'zehren', even in a main clause.
Die Gäste verzehrten das gesamte Buffet in kurzer Zeit.
The guests consumed the entire buffet in a short time.
You can recognize the meaning from the sentence structure: When 'verzehren' has a direct object, such as 'eine Mahlzeit' (a meal), it means 'essen' (to eat). When it is reflexive with 'sich' and a preposition such as 'nach' or 'vor', it describes a strong feeling.
Er verzehrte eine große Portion Pasta.
He consumed a large portion of pasta.
Both meanings of 'verzehren' belong to an elevated or literary style. In normal everyday language, you would more likely say 'essen' (to eat) or 'sich sehnen' (to long for).
Der Romanheld verzehrte sich vor Eifersucht.
The hero of the novel was consumed by jealousy.
Especially in official notices or rules, the noun form 'der Verzehr' is often used. It means 'eating and drinking' or 'consumption'.
Der Verzehr von Speisen ist in der Bibliothek nicht erlaubt.
The consumption of food is not allowed in the library.
In the emotional meaning, 'sich verzehren' is used with fixed prepositions. 'Sich verzehren nach' (+ dative) expresses longing, while 'sich verzehren vor' (+ dative) describes being worn down by a feeling such as worry or love.
Der einsame Künstler verzehrte sich nach Anerkennung.
The lonely artist was pining for recognition.
to eat
'essen' and 'verzehren' can both mean that someone takes in food. 'essen' is the normal everyday word and almost always fits when people talk about meals. 'verzehren' sounds much more formal and is often used in notices, reports, or on packaging. It can also include drinks. When talking with friends, people usually say 'essen'; in official or factual texts, 'verzehren' can sound more natural.
Bitte verzehren Sie die gekauften Speisen nicht im Laden.
Please do not consume the food you bought inside the store.
Nach dem Gespräch essen wir in der Kantine eine Suppe.
After the meeting, we'll eat soup in the cafeteria.