verschnüren

Verschnüren is a German verb that means to bind or tie something with a string, cord, or rope, effectively fastening it by lacing or knotting. It is used for securing parcels and packages, tying bags or bundles, and fastening items such as shoes, clothing, or gear. The term can also describe lacing in fashion or crafts, for example when a garment or accessory is closed by strings.

Etymologically, verschnüren is formed with the verb schnüren (to tie with a string) and the prefix ver-, which often adds a sense of completion or intensification. The word appears in historical forms in Old and Middle High German and has retained its general sense of thorough tying or binding.

Grammatically, verschnüren is a transitive verb. The typical forms are ich verschnüre, du verschnürst, er/sie/es verschnürt, with the perfect tense formed as hat verschnürt and the past tense as verschnürte. Passive constructions are possible, e.g., das Paket wird verschnürt. Common contexts include packaging, shipping, travel gear, and fashion or tailoring when lacing is required.

Related terms include schnüren (the basic verb without prefix), die Schnur (cord or string), die Schnürung (lacing or tying mechanism), and die Schnürsenkel (shoelace). Verschnüren can carry a sense of securing something thoroughly, sometimes implying careful or meticulous binding in preparation for transport or use.

See also: Schnur, Schnürung, Schnürsenkel.