to join forces / connect
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to join forces
People, groups, or companies unite in order to pursue a common goal or form a larger unit.
Mehrere kleine Brauereien haben sich zusammengeschlossen, um besser gegen die großen Konzerne bestehen zu können.
Several small breweries joined forces in order to better compete against the large corporations.
to connect
To connect two or more physical objects with each other, often electrically or mechanically.
Der Elektriker muss noch die beiden Kabel zusammenschließen.
The electrician still has to connect the two cables.
'Zusammenschließen' (to join forces / connect) is a separable verb. The prefix 'zusammen-' stands at the end in main clauses, while it remains attached to the verb in subordinate clauses. In the infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' stands between the prefix and the verb.
Die beiden Firmen schließen sich zusammen.
The two companies are joining forces.
The verb consists of the prefix 'zusammen' (together) and the verb 'schließen' (to close). The meaning is often to be understood literally: you 'close' or connect things or people 'together' into one unit.
Um den Stromkreis zu aktivieren, müssen Sie die beiden Drähte zusammenschließen.
To activate the circuit, you have to connect the two wires.
The use of the reflexive pronoun 'sich' is a clear signal. 'Sich zusammenschließen' means that people or groups unite. Without 'sich', it usually refers to the physical connecting of objects.
Die Anwohner haben sich zu einer Initiative zusammengeschlossen.
The residents joined together to form an initiative.
When people or groups join forces, the goal or the new form is often expressed with 'zu' + dative or an 'um ... zu' construction.
Die Künstler schlossen sich zu einer neuen Gruppe zusammen.
The artists joined together to form a new group.
to connect / to bandage
Verbinden and zusammenschließen can both refer to a physical or electrical connection. Verbinden is more general and can also be used when connecting something to an existing point. Zusammenschließen places more emphasis on connecting several objects to form a single unit.
Der Elektriker schließt zwei Batterien zu einer gemeinsamen Stromquelle zusammen.
The electrician connects two batteries to form a single power source.
Der Elektriker verbindet das neue Messgerät mit dem vorhandenen Stromkreis.
The electrician connects the new measuring device to the existing circuit.
