beflügeln

Beflügeln is a German verb meaning to inspire, encourage, or energize someone or something; to give wings in a figurative sense. It is used to describe the effect of a positive stimulus—such as good news, funding, or recognition—that raises motivation, creativity, or ambition. The construction is transitive: man beflügelt jemanden oder etwas.

Etymology and nuance: beflügeln derives from Flügel, the word for wing, with the prefix be-, which in German often adds a sense of enabling or intensifying. The figurative use imagines providing wings that enable quicker or bolder action. The term connotes a favorable, uplifting impact rather than mere encouragement.

Usage and examples: The expression is common in everyday language as well as in journalism and literature. Examples include beflügeln jemanden zu neuen Ideen, beflügeln ein Projekt, beflügelte die Fantasie, or die Förderung beflügelte das Team zu größeren Leistungen. It typically implies a boost in momentum, confidence, or imaginative capacity.

Related terms and variations: Beflügeln lies suitable synonyms such as ermuntern, inspirieren, antreiben, or motivieren. The noun form is Beflügelung. While closely related to encouragement and motivation, beflügeln emphasizes a decisive, often rapid uplift in enthusiasm or capability.