verbessern en 30 segundos
- Verbessern is a versatile German verb meaning 'to improve' or 'to correct'.
- It is a regular verb and takes the accusative case for the object being improved.
- It can be used reflexively ('sich verbessern') to describe self-improvement or performance gains.
- Commonly used in contexts like language learning, sports, work, and social progress.
The German verb verbessern is a fundamental pillar of the language, primarily used to describe the act of making something better, more accurate, or more efficient. At its core, it is a transitive verb that requires an object—something that is being improved. Whether you are talking about your language skills, a technical process, or a personal habit, verbessern is the go-to term for positive change and optimization.
- Core Concept
- The transition from a state of 'good' or 'average' to 'better'. It implies a conscious effort to refine or correct.
Ich möchte meine Aussprache verbessern, damit mich jeder versteht.
In a linguistic context, it often refers to correcting errors. If a teacher 'verbessert' your homework, they are not just making it 'better' in a general sense; they are specifically marking and correcting mistakes. This dual meaning—to enhance quality and to correct errors—makes it incredibly versatile across different domains of life, from the classroom to the corporate boardroom.
- Reflexive Usage
- When used reflexively ('sich verbessern'), it means to improve oneself or one's own performance. For example, 'Er hat sich im zweiten Versuch verbessert' (He improved in the second attempt).
Die Firma will ihr Image in der Öffentlichkeit verbessern.
The verb is regular in its conjugation, which makes it very accessible for beginners. However, its nuances in different contexts (like 'korrigieren' vs. 'optimieren') are what advanced learners should focus on. In everyday conversation, you'll hear it used for everything from the weather ('Das Wetter verbessert sich') to personal relationships ('Wir müssen unsere Kommunikation verbessern').
Durch regelmäßiges Training kann man seine Ausdauer verbessern.
- Nuance: Correction
- In school settings, 'verbessern' is synonymous with 'to correct'. A 'Verbesserung' is the corrected version of a test.
Darf ich dich kurz verbessern? Das Wort wird anders ausgesprochen.
Wir arbeiten hart daran, die Lebensqualität in der Stadt zu verbessern.
Using verbessern correctly involves understanding its grammatical structure and the contexts where it fits best. As a weak (regular) verb, it follows standard conjugation patterns, making it predictable for learners. It takes the accusative case, meaning the thing you are improving is the direct object.
- Grammar Tip
- Verbessern + Akkusativ. Example: 'Ich verbessere meinen (Akk) Stil.'
Du solltest deine Technik verbessern.
One of the most common ways to use 'verbessern' is in the context of skills. Whether it's 'Deutschkenntnisse' (German skills), 'Kochkünste' (cooking skills), or 'Fahrerleistungs' (driving performance), the verb implies a progression. You can also use it with abstract nouns like 'Situation', 'Zustand' (condition), or 'Verhältnis' (relationship).
- The Reflexive Form
- 'Sich verbessern' is used when the subject's performance or status increases. 'Die Aktienkurse haben sich verbessert' (The stock prices have improved).
Er hat seine Zeit im Marathon um fünf Minuten verbessert.
When you want to correct someone politely, 'verbessern' is the standard verb. However, be careful with the tone. Saying 'Darf ich Sie verbessern?' is polite, but doing it too often can seem pedantic. In educational settings, teachers 'verbessern' tests, which involves both marking errors and providing the correct answers.
Können Sie bitte meinen Text verbessern?
- Collocations
- Common pairings: Welt verbessern, Rekord verbessern, Note verbessern, Angebot verbessern.
Wir müssen das Produkt ständig verbessern, um konkurrenzfähig zu bleiben.
Die medizinische Versorgung hat sich deutlich verbessert.
You will encounter verbessern in almost every facet of German life. In the workplace, it's central to discussions about efficiency and quality management. Managers will talk about 'Prozesse verbessern' (improving processes) or 'die Effizienz verbessern' (improving efficiency). It's a key word in the 'Kaizen' or continuous improvement philosophy often adopted by German engineering firms.
- In the News
- Journalists often use it when reporting on economic growth, social reforms, or climate change measures.
Die Regierung plant, die Infrastruktur zu verbessern.
In schools and universities, it's perhaps the most common verb used by instructors. When a teacher says, 'Ich muss noch die Klassenarbeiten verbessern,' they mean they need to grade and correct the tests. Students might ask each other, 'Hast du deine Note verbessert?' (Did you improve your grade?). It's also used in sports commentary when an athlete breaks their own record ('Er hat seinen eigenen Weltrekord verbessert').
- Daily Life
- You'll hear it in weather forecasts: 'Die Sichtverhältnisse werden sich im Laufe des Tages verbessern.'
Kannst du mir helfen, mein Deutsch zu verbessern?
In social contexts, it's used when discussing personal growth or self-help. People talk about 'die Lebensqualität verbessern' (improving quality of life) or 'die Stimmung verbessern' (improving the mood). It's a word that carries a positive, proactive connotation, suggesting that things don't have to stay as they are—they can be made better through effort.
Ein Lächeln kann die Atmosphäre sofort verbessern.
Wir haben die Rezeptur unseres Kaffees verbessert.
- Technology
- Software updates often come with the note: 'Wir haben die Stabilität der App verbessert.'
While verbessern is relatively straightforward, there are several pitfalls that learners often encounter. The most common mistake is confusing it with similar verbs like 'korrigieren' or 'optimieren'. While they overlap, 'verbessern' is the most general. Using 'optimieren' when you just mean 'make a bit better' can sound overly technical or corporate.
- Mistake 1: Word Order
- Learners often forget that in a subordinate clause, the verb goes to the end. Incorrect: '...weil ich will verbessern mein Deutsch.' Correct: '...weil ich mein Deutsch verbessern will.'
Ich lerne viel, um meine Chancen zu verbessern.
Another frequent error is the misuse of the reflexive form. Learners sometimes say 'Ich verbessere mich' when they mean 'Ich verbessere mein Deutsch'. While 'Ich verbessere mich' is grammatically correct, it means 'I am improving (as a person/in my performance)', whereas 'Ich verbessere mein Deutsch' specifies the object of improvement. Be clear about what is being made better.
- Mistake 2: Confusing with 'Verschönern'
- If you paint a wall a prettier color, you 'verschönerst' the room. If you fix the cracks in the wall, you 'verbesserst' the condition of the room.
Er hat sich in Mathe deutlich verbessert.
A subtle mistake is using 'verbessern' when you mean 'to correct someone' in a way that sounds rude. In German culture, correcting someone can be seen as helpful, but it's all about the phrasing. Instead of just saying 'Du hast einen Fehler gemacht', use 'Darf ich dich kurz verbessern?'. Also, avoid using 'verbessern' for 'to repair' (reparieren). If your car is broken, you don't 'improve' it; you 'repair' it.
Man kann die Welt nicht von heute auf morgen verbessern.
Die Qualität der Produkte muss sich verbessern.
- Preposition Pitfall
- When saying you improved *by* a certain amount, use 'um'. 'Er verbesserte sich um zwei Sekunden.'
Understanding the synonyms and related terms for verbessern will help you choose the precise word for every situation. While 'verbessern' is the general term for 'to improve', other words offer specific shades of meaning that can make your German sound more natural and sophisticated.
- Optimieren vs. Verbessern
- 'Optimieren' implies reaching the absolute best possible state, often used in technical or business contexts. 'Verbessern' is just making it better than before.
Wir müssen den Workflow optimieren.
'Korrigieren' is specifically about fixing errors. While 'verbessern' can mean this too, 'korrigieren' is more clinical. 'Aufbessern' is often used for small improvements, like 'das Taschengeld aufbessern' (to supplement/top up pocket money). 'Verfeinern' is used for artistic or culinary contexts, like 'ein Rezept verfeinern' (to refine a recipe).
- Steigern
- 'Steigern' means to increase or heighten, often used for performance or intensity. 'Er hat seine Leistung gesteigert' (He increased his performance).
Kannst du den Text bitte korrigieren?
'Ausbauen' is used when you want to expand or develop something further, like 'seine Kenntnisse ausbauen'. 'Reformieren' is reserved for large-scale systems like 'das Schulsystem reformieren'. Choosing the right synonym depends on the scale and the nature of the improvement you are describing.
Sie möchte ihre Sprachkenntnisse ausbauen.
Der Koch hat die Soße mit Sahne verfeinert.
- Comparison Table
- Verbessern: General improvement. Korrigieren: Fixing mistakes. Optimieren: Technical efficiency. Verfeinern: Subtle details.
How Formal Is It?
Nivel de dificultad
Gramática que debes saber
Weak verb conjugation
Accusative case objects
Reflexive verbs
Infinitive with 'zu'
Prefix 'ver-'
Ejemplos por nivel
Ich möchte mein Deutsch verbessern.
I want to improve my German.
Infinitive with 'möchte'.
Kannst du mir helfen, mein Deutsch zu verbessern?
Can you help me improve my German?
Infinitive with 'zu'.
Ich verbessere meine Noten.
I am improving my grades.
Present tense.
Wir verbessern unser Haus.
We are improving our house.
Present tense.
Lernst du, um dich zu verbessern?
Are you learning to improve yourself?
Reflexive 'sich verbessern'.
Das Wetter verbessert sich.
The weather is improving.
Reflexive usage.
Er verbessert seinen Stil.
He is improving his style.
Present tense.
Bitte verbessern Sie mich.
Please correct me.
Imperative form.
Er hat seine Zeit im Laufen verbessert.
He improved his running time.
Perfekt tense.
Wir haben das Rezept verbessert.
We improved the recipe.
Perfekt tense.
Die Firma hat ihren Service verbessert.
The company improved its service.
Perfekt tense.
Ich muss meine Aussprache verbessern.
I must improve my pronunciation.
Modal verb 'muss'.
Sie hat sich in Englisch verbessert.
She improved in English.
Reflexive Perfekt.
Das neue Update verbessert die App.
The new update improves the app.
Present tense.
Wir wollen die Welt verbessern.
We want to improve the world.
Modal verb 'wollen'.
Kannst du diesen Satz verbessern?
Can you improve this sentence?
Modal verb 'kannst'.
Es ist wichtig, die Lebensqualität zu verbessern.
It is important to improve the quality of life.
Infinitive construction.
Die Technologie verbessert sich ständig.
Technology is constantly improving.
Reflexive present.
Wir müssen die Zusammenarbeit im Team verbessern.
We must improve the teamwork.
Modal verb 'müssen'.
Durch Sport kann man seine Gesundheit verbessern.
Through sport, one can improve one's health.
Modal verb 'kann'.
Die Regierung möchte die Infrastruktur verbessern.
The government wants to improve the infrastructure.
Modal verb 'möchte'.
Ich habe versucht, meine Fehler zu verbessern.
I tried to correct my mistakes.
Perfekt with infinitive.
Das Klima verbessert sich leider nicht von selbst.
Unfortunately, the climate doesn't improve by itself.
Negative reflexive.
Können wir die Bedingungen verbessern?
Can we improve the conditions?
Question form.
Die Prozesse wurden optimiert, um die Effizienz zu verbessern.
The processes were optimized to improve efficiency.
Passive voice + infinitive.
Er verbesserte seinen eigenen Weltrekord.
He improved his own world record.
Präteritum.
Es gibt immer Raum, um sich zu verbessern.
There is always room to improve oneself.
Reflexive infinitive.
Die neue Software verbessert die Benutzerfreundlichkeit erheblich.
The new software significantly improves user-friendliness.
Present tense.
Wir sollten unser Image in der Öffentlichkeit verbessern.
We should improve our public image.
Konjunktiv II 'sollten'.
Die wirtschaftliche Lage hat sich zusehends verbessert.
The economic situation has noticeably improved.
Reflexive Perfekt.
Sie verbesserte den Text, indem sie unnötige Wörter strich.
She improved the text by cutting unnecessary words.
Präteritum + 'indem' clause.
Man muss die Kommunikation zwischen den Abteilungen verbessern.
One must improve the communication between departments.
Modal verb 'muss'.
Die Reform zielt darauf ab, das Bildungssystem nachhaltig zu verbessern.
The reform aims to sustainably improve the education system.
Prepositional object + infinitive.
Trotz der Kritik verbesserte sich die Stimmung im Land.
Despite the criticism, the mood in the country improved.
Genitive preposition 'Trotz'.
Es gilt, die Wettbewerbsfähigkeit auf dem Weltmarkt zu verbessern.
It is necessary to improve competitiveness on the global market.
'Es gilt' + infinitive.
Die Forscher versuchen, die Treffsicherheit der Diagnose zu verbessern.
The researchers are trying to improve the accuracy of the diagnosis.
Present tense.
Durch gezielte Maßnahmen konnte die Luftqualität verbessert werden.
Through targeted measures, air quality could be improved.
Passive voice with modal verb.
Er hat seine rhetorischen Fähigkeiten durch Übung verbessert.
He improved his rhetorical skills through practice.
Perfekt tense.
Die Verhandlungen führten dazu, das Angebot zu verbessern.
The negotiations led to improving the offer.
Infinitive with 'dazu'.
Man sollte die sozialen Bedingungen kontinuierlich verbessern.
One should continuously improve social conditions.
Konjunktiv II.
Die subtile Nuancierung verbesserte die literarische Qualität des Werks.
The subtle nuance improved the literary quality of the work.
Präteritum.
Inwieweit lässt sich die menschliche Natur überhaupt verbessern?
To what extent can human nature be improved at all?
Reflexive 'lässt sich' (passive substitute).
Die technologische Singularität könnte die Existenzgrundlage verbessern oder vernichten.
The technological singularity could improve or destroy the basis of existence.
Konjunktiv II.
Die ständige Selbstoptimierung zielt darauf ab, das eigene Ich zu verbessern.
Constant self-optimization aims to improve one's own self.
Infinitive construction.
Durch die Korrektur der Parameter verbesserte sich die Simulation signifikant.
By correcting the parameters, the simulation improved significantly.
Reflexive Präteritum.
Es ist ein Trugschluss zu glauben, dass Technik allein die Welt verbessert.
It is a fallacy to believe that technology alone improves the world.
Subordinate clause with 'dass'.
Die Eloquenz des Redners verbesserte die Überzeugungskraft seiner Argumente.
The speaker's eloquence improved the persuasiveness of his arguments.
Genitive case.
Wir müssen die diplomatischen Beziehungen grundlegend verbessern.
We must fundamentally improve diplomatic relations.
Modal verb 'müssen'.
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
Se confunde a menudo con
Modismos y expresiones
Fácil de confundir
Patrones de oraciones
Cómo usarlo
Means the subject itself gets better (e.g., 'die Noten verbessern sich').
Always needs an object (e.g., 'den Text verbessern').
Consejos
Accusative Object
Always remember that the thing you are improving must be in the accusative case.
Noun Form
Use 'die Verbesserung' to sound more formal in your writing.
Polite Correction
Use 'Darf ich dich kurz verbessern?' when correcting a friend's German.
Global Use
Use 'die Welt verbessern' when talking about social or environmental goals.
Mnemonic
Think of 'ver-bettering' something.
Synonyms
Avoid repeating 'verbessern' by using 'optimieren' in professional contexts.
The 'V' Sound
Remember the German 'v' is pronounced like an 'f'.
Feedback
Don't be offended if a German 'verbessert' you; it's usually meant to be helpful.
Reflexive Pronoun
Match the reflexive pronoun to the subject: 'Ich verbessere mich', 'Du verbesserst dich'.
Upgrades
Use 'verbessern' for software updates and product improvements.
Memorízalo
Origen de la palabra
Old High German 'bizziron', from Proto-Germanic 'batizōną'.
Contexto cultural
Correcting someone's grammar ('jemanden verbessern') is common and often seen as helpful rather than rude, depending on the context.
The term 'Verbesserungsvorschlag' (suggestion for improvement) is a formal part of many German corporate cultures.
Teachers 'verbessern' homework as a standard part of the learning process.
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
Inicios de conversación
"Wie kann ich mein Deutsch am besten verbessern?"
"Hast du einen Tipp, um meine Kochkünste zu verbessern?"
"Was würdest du an dieser Stadt verbessern?"
"Hat sich deine Situation in letzter Zeit verbessert?"
"Wie können wir die Stimmung im Team verbessern?"
Temas para diario
Was möchte ich in diesem Jahr an mir selbst verbessern?
Beschreibe eine Situation, in der du dich deutlich verbessert hast.
Wenn du die Welt verbessern könntest, was würdest du tun?
Wie hat sich dein Leben in den letzten fünf Jahren verbessert?
Welche Fähigkeit möchtest du als Nächstes verbessern?
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasVerbessern is general (to make better), while korrigieren is specific to fixing errors. You can verbessern your life, but you korrigieren a typo.
Yes, it is a weak verb. It follows the pattern: verbessern, verbesserte, hat verbessert.
Only reflexively ('sich verbessern') to mean someone's performance improved. You don't 'improve a person' in a general sense.
It takes the accusative case (Akkusativ). For example: 'Ich verbessere den (Akk) Text.'
Use the preposition 'um': 'Ich habe mich um fünf Sekunden verbessert.'
Yes, 'Das Wetter verbessert sich' is a common expression.
The noun is 'die Verbesserung' (the improvement).
In Germany, it is often seen as helpful, but use a polite intro like 'Darf ich dich kurz verbessern?'.
No, use 'reparieren' for mechanical repairs. Use 'verbessern' for upgrading its performance.
The opposite is 'verschlechtern' (to make worse).
Ponte a prueba 200 preguntas
Write a sentence about improving your German.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe how you improved a skill recently.
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What would you improve in your city? Write 3 sentences.
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Write a formal email suggesting an improvement at work.
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Discuss the pros and cons of constant self-improvement.
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How can technology improve the environment?
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Write a short story about someone who improves their life.
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Correct the following text: 'Ich will verbessern mein Haus.'
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Write 5 collocations with 'verbessern'.
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Explain the difference between 'verbessern' and 'korrigieren'.
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Write a sentence using 'sich verbessern' in the past tense.
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How can one improve their public image?
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Write a dialogue between a teacher and a student about a test.
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What is the most important thing to improve in the world today?
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Write a sentence using 'verbessern' and 'um... zu'.
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Describe a 'Verbesserungsvorschlag' you once made.
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How does sport improve health? Write 4 sentences.
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Write a sentence about the weather improving.
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Use 'verbessern' in a passive sentence.
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Write a sentence using the noun 'Verbesserung'.
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Say: 'Ich möchte mein Deutsch verbessern.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Tell a friend how to improve their cooking.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Give a short presentation on how to improve the environment.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Debate the topic: 'Can money improve happiness?'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Explain a complex technical improvement you made at work.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Ask someone politely to correct your mistakes.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Describe your progress in learning German so far.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Talk about a time you improved your sports performance.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Discuss how a city could improve its public transport.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Roleplay: A teacher correcting a student's essay.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Explain the concept of 'self-improvement'.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Tell a story about a 'Weltverbesserer'.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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How can we improve the mood in a stressful situation?
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Describe the improvements in the latest smartphone model.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Talk about a 'Verbesserungsvorschlag' you have for your school.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Discuss: 'Is every change an improvement?'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Pronounce 'Verbesserungsvorschlag' correctly.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say: 'Das Wetter verbessert sich heute.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Describe how to improve a bad relationship.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Tell someone 'You have improved a lot!'.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Listen to a dialogue and identify what the person wants to improve.
Listen to a weather forecast and note when the weather improves.
Listen to a news report about economic improvements.
Listen to a lecture on 'Continuous Improvement'.
Listen to a conversation between two colleagues about a project.
Listen to a teacher correcting a student's pronunciation.
Listen for the word 'verbessern' in a podcast snippet.
Listen to an advertisement for a 'new and improved' product.
Listen to a sports commentary about a record being improved.
Listen to a political speech about social improvements.
Listen to a person describing their New Year's resolutions.
Listen to a technical explanation of a software update.
Listen to a discussion about quality of life.
Listen to a person correcting themselves mid-sentence.
Listen to a song that uses the word 'verbessern'.
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The verb 'verbessern' is essential for expressing progress and correction. Example: 'Ich möchte mein Deutsch verbessern' (I want to improve my German) is a classic sentence for any learner.
- Verbessern is a versatile German verb meaning 'to improve' or 'to correct'.
- It is a regular verb and takes the accusative case for the object being improved.
- It can be used reflexively ('sich verbessern') to describe self-improvement or performance gains.
- Commonly used in contexts like language learning, sports, work, and social progress.
Accusative Object
Always remember that the thing you are improving must be in the accusative case.
Noun Form
Use 'die Verbesserung' to sound more formal in your writing.
Polite Correction
Use 'Darf ich dich kurz verbessern?' when correcting a friend's German.
Global Use
Use 'die Welt verbessern' when talking about social or environmental goals.
Contenido relacionado
Frases relacionadas
Más palabras de education
Abschluss
A1Graduación, conclusión, cierre. 'Ella celebró su graduación.' 'El cierre del contrato fue rápido.'
ankreuzen
A2Marcar con una cruz una casilla en un formulario o documento.
Aufgabe
A1Una tarea o deber que debe realizarse.
Ausbildung
A2Formación profesional o aprendizaje. Ella está haciendo una formación como enfermera.
aussprechen
B1pronunciar (una palabra)
Beispiel
A2Un ejemplo es algo que sirve para explicar una idea.
bestehen
B1Aprobar un examen o una prueba.
Bibliothek
A1Una biblioteca es un edificio o local donde se conservan libros ordenados para la lectura.
bilden
A2Formar un grupo o una opinión propia.
Bildung
B1El proceso de formación intelectual y personal a través de la educación y la cultura.
