Verändern

Verändern is a German verb meaning to change or alter something, often implying a more thorough or deliberate transformation than the related verb ändern. It is formed with the prefix ver- added to ändern and is generally inseparable, with the prefix remaining in all tenses. The verb can be used transitively (etwas verändern) and in reflexive constructions (sich verändern).

Usage and nuance: Verändern denotes a change of state, form, or condition that affects the object or subject involved. With a direct object, it expresses making a substantial modification: "Sie möchte ihr Leben verändern" (She wants to change her life) or "Das Unternehmen will seine Strategie verändern" (The company wants to change its strategy). In the reflexive form, "sich verändern" describes changes of the subject itself or of a situation around it: "Die Gesellschaft verändert sich."

Conjugation and forms: Present tense forms are: ich verändere, du veränderst, er verändert, wir verändern, ihr verändert, sie verändern. Simple past: ich veränderte, du verändertest, er veränderte, wir veränderten, ihr verändertet, sie veränderten. The past participle is verändert, and the perfect tense is formed with haben: "Ich habe das Bild verändert." Reflexive present: "Ich verändere mich," "du veränderst dich," etc.; perfect: "Ich habe mich verändert." The present participle is verändernd, used less often, and adjectives formed from the participle include verändert.

Related terms: Die Veränderung (the change, transformation), Veränderungsprozesse (change processes). Distinctions: Verändern often implies a more thorough or intentional modification than ändern, which is broader and can describe smaller adjustments.