verbinden

Verbinden is a German verb meaning to connect, join or unite in physical, practical or abstract senses. It is used for linking objects, ideas, people, or systems, as well as for establishing relations or networks. The corresponding noun is Verbindung, which denotes a connection, link, or relationship.

Etymology and meanings

Verbinden derives from the verb bindan (to bind) with the prefix ver-, a common German formation that modifies or intensifies the sense. The prefix does not indicate negation here but rather the act of bringing things together into a connection or union. Common meanings include linking components (Kabels oder Bauteile), combining concepts (Theorie und Praxis verbinden), and forming social or infrastructural links (Verbindungen zwischen Städten, Netzwerke).

Usage and examples

In everyday language, verbinden can describe physical joining, such as "Die Leitungen werden miteinander verbunden" (The cables are being connected). It can express linking ideas or arguments, for example "Der Vortrag verbindet Theorie und Praxis" (The talk connects theory and practice). It also covers social or logistical connections, such as "Zwei Städte sind durch eine Brücke verbunden" (Two cities are connected by a bridge) or "Er hat sich mit dem Netzwerk verbunden" (He has connected to the network). In a broader sense, one can say "Er möchte persönliche Beziehungen mit beruflichen Verbindungen verbinden" (He wants to link personal relationships with professional connections).

Conjugation and forms

Präsens: ich verbinde, du verbindest, er verbindet, wir verbinden, ihr verbindet, sie verbinden. Perfekt: ich habe verbunden. Präteritum: ich verband, du verbandest, er verband, wir verbanden, ihr verbandet, sie verbanden. Partizip II: verbunden. Imperativ: verbinde, verbindet, verbinden Sie.

Verbindung as a noun

Verbindung (plural Verbindungen) means a connection, link, or relationship, and can refer to a physical junction, a transportation link, or a more abstract association between people or ideas. Phrases include "eine Verbindung herstellen" (to establish a connection) and "Verbindungen knüpfen" (to forge connections).