breitmachen
spread oneself out · spread oneself · spread
The German word "breitmachen" is a separable verb composed of:
- breit (broad, wide)
- machen (to make, to do)
It literally means "to make broad" or "to spread out." Figuratively, it is used colloquially to mean "to settle in comfortably" or "to occupy a space extensively."
Similar words:
- ausbreiten (to spread out)
- platznehmen (to take a seat)
- hinsetzen (to sit down)
Differences:
- breitmachen emphasizes settling in a relaxed or widespread manner, often implying taking up more space than necessary.
- ausbreiten focuses more on the action of spreading physically.
- platznehmen simply refers to sitting down without implying the extent of space occupied.
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Examples
Warum hast du dich im Bus so breitgemacht?verb
Why did you spread yourself out so much on the bus?
Die Kinder machten sich auf der Wiese breit, um ein Picknick zu beginnen.verb
The children spread themselves out on the meadow to start a picnic.
Die schlechte Laune machte sich im Büro breit.verb
The bad mood spread in the office.
Nach dem Sieg machte sich Freude breit.verb
After the victory, joy spread.
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