verschwenden
waste
Etwas ohne guten Grund nutzen oder ausgeben, sodass es verloren geht oder keinen Nutzen bringt.
The German word "verschwenden" is a verb that means "to waste". It is composed of the prefix "ver-" and the root verb "schwenden," which itself means "to spend" or "to use." "Verschwenden" specifically refers to using resources—such as time, money, or energy—in a careless or inefficient manner.
Similar words in German include "vergeuden" (to squander) and "verbrauchern" (to consume).
The difference is that "verschwenden" emphasizes wastefulness, while "vergeuden" usually conveys a sense of frivolous wasting, often emphasizing context or degree, such as wasting an opportunity. "Verbrauchern" focuses more on the act of consumption, not necessarily implying wastefulness.
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Examples
Wir sollten keine Zeit verschwenden.verb
We should not waste time.
Sie verschwenden zu viel Zeit mit unwichtigen Details.verb
They waste too much time with unimportant details.
Sie verschwenden ihr Geld für unnötige Dinge.verb
They waste their money on unnecessary things.
Sie verschwenden das Essen nicht.verb
They do not waste the food.
Er verschwendet sein Geld für unnötige Dinge.verb
He wastes his money on unnecessary things.
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