befestige

Befestige is a form of the German verb befestigen, meaning to fasten, fix in place, or secure. The base verb befestigen is transitive and used when attaching objects, reinforcing structures, or making something stable.

Form and usage: Befestige is the imperative singular form used to address one person informally. It functions as a command or directive, for example in instructions or radio commands: Befestige die Schraube am Regal. The verb belongs to a family of fastening verbs that include befestigen, befestigt, and Befestigung (the related noun meaning fastening or fortification).

Etymology and related forms: Befestigen derives from the prefix be- added to festigen/fest (firm) with the suffix -igen, forming a verb that conveys causing something to become firm or secure. The word has been part of standard German since the early modern period. Related terms include Befestigung (a fastening, attachment, or fortification), befestigend (present participle), and befestigt (past participle).

Usage notes: Besides its literal sense of attaching or securing, befestigen can be used in figurative contexts to indicate establishing or securing a position, agreement, or arrangement. Typical collocations include Befestigung von Schrauben, Befestigung einer Seite am Rahmen, and Befestigungsmittel (fasteners).

See also: Befestigung, befestigend, befestigt, be- prefix usage in German verbs, and common fastening verbs such as festmachen, festhalten, and sichern.