to breed / cultivate
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to breed
To deliberately reproduce animals or plants in order to obtain or improve certain traits.
Der Landwirt züchtet eine spezielle Rinderrasse, die besonders robust ist.
The farmer breeds a special breed of cattle that is particularly robust.
to cultivate
To grow microorganisms such as bacteria or fungi under laboratory conditions.
Im Biologieunterricht züchteten wir Schimmelpilze auf einer Scheibe Brot.
In biology class, we cultivated mold fungi on a slice of bread.
to breed
In a figurative sense: to encourage or cause something negative to develop.
Eine Politik der Ungleichheit züchtet sozialen Unfrieden.
A policy of inequality breeds social unrest.
The verb 'züchten' (to breed/cultivate) is the basis for other words. 'Die Zucht' refers to the process itself, and 'der Züchter' or 'die Züchterin' is the person who breeds animals or plants.
Der Züchter ist für seine preisgekrönten Hunde bekannt.
The breeder is known for his award-winning dogs.
The object of the verb reveals the meaning. If it refers to animals or plants, reproduction is meant. With microorganisms, it is about cultivation in the laboratory. With abstract nouns like 'Hass' (hate) or 'Neid' (envy), the figurative, negative meaning is intended.
Er züchtet seltene Orchideen in seinem Gewächshaus.
He breeds rare orchids in his greenhouse.
'Züchten' (to breed) means more than just 'vermehren' (to reproduce). It always implies deliberate selection and control in order to promote or improve certain traits, such as appearance, yield, or robustness.
Diese Tomatensorte wurde speziell für den Anbau auf Balkonen gezüchtet.
This tomato variety was bred especially for growing on balconies.
In its figurative meaning, 'züchten' (to breed) is always used with negative, abstract concepts. Common combinations are 'Misstrauen züchten' (to breed mistrust), 'Neid züchten' (to breed envy), or 'Langeweile züchten' (to breed boredom).
Geheimnisse können in einer Beziehung schnell Misstrauen züchten.
Secrets can quickly breed mistrust in a relationship.
to stoke
züchten and schüren can both describe promoting the development of a negative state. züchten usually describes something negative coming into existence or growing, while schüren typically means deliberately intensifying existing feelings or conflicts. Use züchten for the development and schüren for further escalation.
Die ständigen Gerüchte züchteten in der Gruppe langsam Misstrauen.
The constant rumors slowly bred mistrust within the group.
Die ständigen Gerüchte schürten das bereits vorhandene Misstrauen in der Gruppe.
The constant rumors stoked the mistrust that already existed within the group.
