konstruieren
construct
Definition & meaning
konstruieren means to construct, design, or engineer something, especially by planning how its parts should fit or work together. It can refer to creating a physical object, such as a machine, or to devising something abstract, such as a theory or argument.
In mathematics and geometry, it can mean to construct a figure according to specified rules. In some contexts, it can also suggest that an explanation or argument has been deliberately devised rather than simply discovered.
Grammar & word origin
konstruieren is a regular German verb. Its principal forms are konstruierte (simple past) and konstruiert (past participle); it forms the perfect tense with haben.
The verb comes through Latin construere, meaning “to build up” or “put together.” The Latin parts are con- (“together”) and struere (“to build”).
Synonyms & antonyms
- entwerfen — to design or draft something, often emphasizing the initial plan rather than working out how it will function.
- entwickeln — to develop; broader than konstruieren, and may describe a process of gradual creation.
- bauen — to build, usually emphasizing physically making or assembling something.
- ausdenken — to devise or come up with an idea, with less emphasis on technical design.
There is no single direct antonym. Depending on the context, zerstören (“to destroy”) or demontieren (“to dismantle”) can express an opposite action.
Common phrases & collocations
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Examples
Die Ingenieure konstruieren eine neue Brücke.verb
The engineers construct a new bridge.
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