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verb

weiterbilden

educate oneself

Definition & meaning

The verb weiterbilden primarily means to continue one's education or to undergo further training. It describes the process of acquiring new knowledge, skills, or qualifications, typically after a person has already completed their initial basic education or vocational training.

There are two main ways to use this word:

  1. Reflexive (sich weiterbilden): This is the most common usage, where an individual takes the initiative to improve their own knowledge or professional standing. For example, a doctor attending a seminar to learn about a new medical technique is "furthering their education."
  2. Transitive (jemanden weiterbilden): This occurs when an institution or employer provides additional training to someone else, such as a company training its employees on new software.

The focus is usually on professional development and lifelong learning to stay relevant in a specific field or to prepare for a promotion.

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar:

  • Type: Separable verb (trennbares Verb). In a main clause, the prefix "weiter" moves to the end of the sentence (e.g., "Ich bilde mich weiter").
  • Principal Parts: bildet weiter, bildete weiter, hat weitergebildet.
  • Reflexive Pronoun: Often used with "sich" in the accusative case.

Word origin: The word is a compound consisting of two parts:

  • weiter: An adverb meaning "further," "onward," or "continuing."
  • bilden: A verb meaning "to form," "to shape," or "to educate." Historically, "Bildung" refers to the cultivation of the mind and character, much like shaping a piece of art.

Combined, the word literally means "to continue the process of shaping/educating oneself."

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

  • fortbilden: Very close in meaning, often used in professional contexts (Fortbildung).
  • dazulernen: To learn something new in addition to what is already known.
  • qualifizieren: To gain qualifications or skills for a specific task.
  • schulen: To train or instruct, often used when an employer trains staff.

Antonyms:

  • stagnieren: To stagnate or stay at the same level without progress.
  • verlernen: To forget or lose a skill through lack of practice or further study.
  • stehenbleiben: To come to a standstill or stop developing.

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Examples

Er möchte sich weiterbilden.verb

He wants to further educate himself.

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