Befeuern

Befeuern is a German verb meaning to feed a fire with fuel, to stoke or keep a fire burning. In literal usage it describes supplying wood, coal or other combustibles to a furnace, stove or fireplace. In a figurative sense the term is used to describe increasing or reigniting intensity, for example in discussions, emotions or public debates.

Etymology and scope: the word is formed with the prefix be- added to the noun Feuer (fire), creating a transitive verb that denotes an external action affecting the fire or a related situation. The corresponding noun Befeuerung refers to the act of fueling or inflaming, and it can be used in both technical contexts (such as furnace operation) and metaphorical contexts (influencing opinions, excitement or conflict).

Usage and examples: literally, one might say, “Den Kamin befeuern,” meaning to add fuel and keep the fire burning. Metaphorically, one can “eine Debatte befeuern” or “die Stimmung befeuern,” meaning to intensify or provoke a discussion or sentiment. The phrasing is common in journalism and everyday language when describing actions that increase energy, attention or heatedness.

Grammatical notes: befeuern is a regular verb with the typical conjugation pattern for be- verbs. Präsens forms include ich befeuere, du befeuerst, er befeuert, wir befeuern, ihr befeuert, sie befeuern. Participle: befeuert; past tense: befeuerte; auxiliary verb: haben befeuert. Passive forms use werden befeuert.

See also: Befeuerung; related terms include anheizen (to heat up or inflame) and entfachen (to ignite). The word is widely understood in literary, technical and everyday contexts to describe both literal fueling of a fire and figurative stimulation.

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