to gather / compile
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to compile
To collect information or facts from different places and bring them together in one place.
Für das Referat müssen wir noch viele Fakten zusammentragen.
For the presentation, we still have to compile a lot of facts.
'Zusammentragen' (to gather/compile) is a separable verb. The prefix 'zusammen' stands at the end of the sentence in a main clause. In the infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' comes between the prefix and the verb.
Der Historiker trägt alle Fakten für sein Buch zusammen.
The historian compiles all the facts for his book.
The verb consists of 'zusammen' (together) and 'tragen' (to carry). The basic idea is always to collect different things from different places at one central point.
Wir müssen noch genug Holz für das Lagerfeuer zusammentragen.
We still have to gather enough wood for the campfire.
The object reveals the meaning. With abstract objects like 'Informationen' (information) or 'Daten' (data), it is about collecting knowledge. With physical objects like 'Laub' (leaves) or 'Steine' (stones), the literal gathering is meant.
Die Journalistin hat Material für einen spannenden Artikel zusammengetragen.
The journalist compiled material for an exciting article.
In the abstract meaning, the verb is often combined with nouns from the area of knowledge and research. Common phrases are 'Fakten zusammentragen' (to compile facts), 'Informationen zusammentragen' (to gather information), or 'Beweise zusammentragen' (to gather evidence).
Die Polizei trägt derzeit alle Beweise gegen den Verdächtigen zusammen.
The police are currently gathering all the evidence against the suspect.
to distribute / spread
'verteilen' and 'zusammentragen' describe opposite directions. With 'verteilen', something goes from one point to several people or places. With 'zusammentragen', information or objects from different places come together in one shared place. So 'verteilen' fits when something is spread out or handed out. 'zusammentragen' fits when you collect things and bring them together.
Für das Referat trägt Paul wichtige Informationen aus mehreren Büchern zusammen.
For the presentation, Paul is gathering important information from several books.
Morgen verteilt Lisa die neuen Arbeitspläne im Team.
Tomorrow Lisa will distribute the new work schedules within the team.