verbverb

konservieren

preserve

Konservieren means to preserve or protect something so that it does not spoil, deteriorate, or lose its original condition.

For food, it means treating or storing it to make it last longer, for example by drying, salting, or sealing it in a jar.
For objects, buildings, or works of art, it means protecting them from damage or decay while preserving their existing state.
More broadly, it can mean maintaining something in its current condition.

Konservieren is a regular, inseparable German verb.

It comes from Latin conservare, meaning “to preserve” or “to keep safe.”

Synonyms:

haltbar machen — “to make durable or keepable”; commonly used for food.
einmachen — “to preserve in jars,” usually referring to fruit or vegetables.
einkochen — “to preserve by heating and sealing in jars.”
bewahren — “to preserve or protect”; broader and not necessarily about preventing physical decay.
erhalten — “to maintain or preserve”; often used for buildings, traditions, or existing conditions.

Antonyms:

verderben — “to spoil,” especially of food; a direct opposite in the food context.
verrotten — “to rot or decay,” particularly of organic matter.

Lebensmittel konservieren — to preserve food
Fisch in Öl konservieren — to preserve fish in oil
ein Kunstwerk konservieren — to conserve a work of art
einen historischen Zustand konservieren — to preserve a historical condition

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Wir müssen das Essen gut konservieren, damit es länger haltbar bleibt.verb

We must preserve the food well so that it stays fresh longer.

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