verflechten

Verflechten is a Dutch verb meaning to intertwine, interlace, or braid together. It is used in both literal and figurative senses: to weave strands into a single structure, or to describe how separate elements become connected. The word is formed from flechten (to weave) with the prefix ver-, which can indicate a process of joining or intensification. In usage, verflechten emphasizes the active act of weaving and the resulting interconnection rather than mere proximity.

Literal uses occur in textiles and crafts, hair styling, and the construction of braided or twisted cords and cables. A craftsman may verflechten several fibres to produce a braid, or verflechten strands when forming a more complex weave. The term therefore covers both manual techniques and the resulting fabric or braid.

Figuratively, verflechten is common in discussions of networks, economies, and cultures. In the social sciences and politics, it denotes increasing interdependence among actors and systems, where decisions in one domain affect others. The concept is related to verwevenheid or verstrengeling, but verflechten often foregrounds the active process of linking rather than the static state of being interwoven.

In contemporary discourse, verflechten can describe the intertwining of technology, trade, and politics, as well as cultural exchanges and historical ties. The term thus operates across disciplines as a concise way to express complex, layered interconnections.