verschmutzen
pollute
Etwas schmutzig machen, zum Beispiel durch Müll, Staub oder schädliche Stoffe.
The German word "verschmutzen" is a verb meaning "to pollute" or "to contaminate".
- It is made up of:
- "schmutzen" (from der Schmutz: dirt, grime)
- Prefix "ver-", which often indicates a change or cause in verbs.
Similar words:
- "verschmutzen" vs. "verschmutzen" (synonym)
- "verunreinigen" (to contaminate/spoil)
- "verschleißen" (to wear out, less about pollution)
Difference:
- "verschmutzen" specifically emphasizes making something dirty or polluted.
- "verunreinigen" often implies contamination with impurities, sometimes chemically.
- "verschleißen" is about mechanical wear, not pollution.
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Examples
Du darfst die Umwelt nicht verschmutzen.verb
You must not pollute the environment.
Bitte nicht den Fluss durch Müll verschmutzen.verb
Please do not pollute the river with trash.
Autos verschmutzen oft die Umwelt.verb
Cars often pollute the environment.
Autos verschmutzen oft die Luft in großen Städten.verb
Cars often pollute the air in big cities.
Autos verschmutzen oft die Luft in der Stadt.verb
Cars often pollute the air in the city.
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