nähren

Nähren is a German verb that translates to "to nourish" or "to feed" in English. It is a versatile word used in a variety of contexts, encompassing both physical and metaphorical sustenance.

In its most literal sense, nähren refers to the act of providing food or other essential elements for physical growth and survival. This can apply to feeding oneself, feeding others, or the process by which plants and animals obtain the nutrients they need. For example, one might say "Die Mutter nährt ihr Kind" (The mother nourishes her child) or "Diese Erde nährt viele Pflanzen" (This soil nourishes many plants).

Beyond the physical, nähren also extends to the provision of emotional, intellectual, or spiritual sustenance. It can describe the act of cultivating or fostering something, allowing it to grow and thrive. For instance, "Er nährt seine Hoffnungen" (He nourishes his hopes) suggests that someone is actively keeping their hopes alive. Similarly, "Das Buch nährt seinen Geist" (The book nourishes his mind) implies that the book provides intellectual stimulation and growth. The verb can also be used reflexively, "sich nähren," meaning "to feed oneself" or "to sustain oneself," both physically and metaphorically.