verbessern
improve
Etwas so verändern, dass es besser wird als vorher.
Definition & meaning
The verb verbessern primarily means to make something better or to improve the quality, condition, or value of something. It is a very common word used in both professional and everyday contexts.
There are two main nuances to its meaning:
- To improve or enhance: This refers to increasing the quality of something that is already functional or present. For example, improving one's English skills or improving a technical process.
- To correct: This refers to fixing errors or mistakes. If a teacher marks a test and changes a wrong answer to a right one, or if a speaker realizes they said the wrong word and immediately says the right one, they are using verbessern.
When used reflexively (sich verbessern), it means to improve one's own performance or to move into a better situation (like getting a better-paid job).
Grammar & Word origin
verbessern is a regular (weak) German verb. Its principal parts are:
- Infinitive: verbessern
- Preterite: verbesserte
- Past participle: hat verbessert
The word is a derivative of the adjective gut (good). Specifically, it is built from the comparative form besser (better).
The prefix ver- is used here to indicate a transition or a change of state—in this case, the process of making something "better."
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
- optimieren : To optimize (often used in technical or business contexts).
- korrigieren : To correct (specifically used for fixing mistakes).
- verfeinern : To refine or polish something already good.
- steigern : To increase or heighten (often used for performance or levels).
- ausbessern : To mend or repair a physical defect.
Antonyms
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Examples
Sie verbessern die Qualität stetig.verb
They continuously improve the quality.
Er muss seine Noten verbessern.verb
He must improve his grades.
Wir müssen unsere Leistung verbessern.verb
We must improve our performance.
Er muss das Ergebnis verbessern.verb
He must improve the result.
Er verbessert seine Deutschkenntnisse.verb
He improves his German skills.
Er möchte sein Englisch verbessern.verb
He wants to improve his English.
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