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sich vermehren

A2 verb #7,500 가장 일반적인 12분 분량

sich vermehren

상위 7,500

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 sich vermehren 30초 만에

설명 sich vermehren in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use 'sich vermehren' very often, but you should understand its basic meaning: 'to get more'. It's like saying 'more and more'. Imagine you have two rabbits, and then you have ten. That is 'sich vermehren'. You might see this word in simple stories about animals. The important part for A1 is the 'sich'. Remember that 'sich' means the rabbits are doing it themselves. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet. Just think of it as a scientific way to say 'there are more now'. For example, 'Die Tiere vermehren sich' means 'The animals are having babies'. It's a useful word when you talk about nature or money in a very simple way. You can also think of it as 'plus plus plus'. When you learn the numbers, you learn 'plus' and 'minus'. 'Sich vermehren' is like a natural 'plus' that happens on its own. It's a good word to know so you can understand when people talk about the world growing. Even at A1, knowing this word makes you sound much more advanced than just saying 'more animals'.

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At the A2 level, you start using 'sich vermehren' to describe processes in nature and finance. You should know that it is a reflexive verb, which means the pronoun 'sich' changes depending on who you are talking about. However, since we usually talk about animals (they) or things (it), 'sich' is the most common form. You can use it to talk about your hobbies, like if you collect stamps and your collection 'multiplies'. You also use it to discuss basic environmental topics. For example, 'In Berlin vermehren sich die Wildschweine' (Wild boars are reproducing in Berlin). This is more precise than just saying 'there are more boars'. You should also be able to use it in the past tense (Perfekt). 'Das Geld hat sich vermehrt' (The money has increased). This level is about moving from simple descriptions to more specific verbs. 'Sich vermehren' helps you talk about growth without just using the word 'viel' (much/many). You can describe how things change over time. It is a key verb for talking about the results of an action, like putting money in a bank or planting flowers in a garden. You should also start to notice the difference between 'sich vermehren' and 'wachsen' (to grow).

At the B1 level, you use 'sich vermehren' in more complex sentences and social contexts. You can discuss population growth, environmental issues, and economic trends. You should be comfortable using the verb in subordinate clauses, such as 'Ich habe gelesen, dass sich die Bakterien in der Küche schnell vermehren' (I read that bacteria in the kitchen reproduce quickly). You also begin to use the word metaphorically. For instance, you can talk about how problems or rumors 'multiply'. 'Die Sorgen vermehren sich' (Worries are increasing). This shows a deeper understanding of German nuances. At B1, you should also know the noun 'die Vermehrung' (the reproduction/increase). You can use this in more formal writing. You are also expected to distinguish 'sich vermehren' from 'sich fortpflanzen'. While 'sich vermehren' can be used for money and problems, 'sich fortpflanzen' is only for biology. This distinction is important for the B1 exam, where precision in vocabulary is rewarded. You might also encounter this verb in news articles about the 'Weltbevölkerung' (world population). Being able to use and understand 'sich vermehren' allows you to participate in discussions about the future and society.

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At the B2 level, 'sich vermehren' becomes a tool for scientific and professional communication. You should be able to use it to describe complex biological cycles or economic theories. For example, you might discuss 'exponentielle Vermehrung' (exponential growth/reproduction). You understand the nuances of the transitive form 'vermehren' (to increase something) versus the reflexive form 'sich vermehren' (to increase/reproduce). In a business context, you might say 'Wir müssen unser Kapital vermehren' (We must increase our capital). You are also familiar with related idioms and more formal synonyms like 'expandieren' or 'proliferieren' (in medical or scientific contexts). Your sentence structures should be more varied, using the Präteritum in written reports: 'Die Zellkulturen vermehrten sich unter dem Mikroskop.' You can also use the verb to describe social phenomena with a critical eye, such as 'die Vermehrung von Plastikmüll' (the increase of plastic waste). At B2, you are expected to handle the reflexive pronouns perfectly, even in complex structures with modal verbs or in the passive voice (though 'sich vermehren' is rarely passive, the noun 'Vermehrung' often is).

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At the C1 level, you use 'sich vermehren' with stylistic precision. You recognize its use in classical literature and high-level journalism. You can discuss the philosophical implications of 'Vermehrung'—is more always better? You might use the verb to describe the 'proliferation' of ideas in the digital age: 'Im Internet vermehren sich Informationen in Sekundenschnelle.' You are also aware of the negative connotations the word can have, such as 'die ungebremste Vermehrung' (unrestrained reproduction/growth), often used in debates about overpopulation or cancer cells. Your vocabulary includes specialized terms like 'ungeschlechtliche Vermehrung' (asexual reproduction). You can switch between 'sich vermehren', 'sich fortpflanzen', 'anwachsen', and 'sich potenzieren' depending on the exact nuance you want to convey. In C1, you use the word to build sophisticated arguments in essays or presentations. For example, you could analyze how social media 'multiplies' social pressure. You also understand the etymological roots of the word, connecting it to 'mehr' (more) and the prefix 'ver-', which indicates a change of state. This level of mastery allows you to use the word not just correctly, but elegantly.

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At the C2 level, 'sich vermehren' is a word you use with the finesse of a native speaker. You understand its subtle shades of meaning in different registers, from the dry language of a legal contract ('das zu vermehrende Erbe') to the evocative language of poetry. You can engage in deep scientific discussions about 'Vermehrungsstrategien' (reproductive strategies) in evolutionary biology. You are also familiar with rare or archaic uses of the word. You can use it in highly abstract ways, such as 'die Vermehrung des Seins' in a philosophical treatise. You are comfortable using the verb in all moods and tenses, including the Konjunktiv I and II, to express hypothetical growth: 'Es wäre wünschenswert, wenn sich das Wissen in der Gesellschaft schneller vermehren würde.' You can detect when a writer uses 'sich vermehren' ironically or to create a specific atmosphere. Your mastery of the word family—including 'unvermehrbar', 'Vermehrungstrieb', and 'Vermehrungsfaktor'—is complete. At this level, the word is no longer just a vocabulary item; it is a versatile instrument that you use to express complex thoughts about growth, life, and the nature of increase in the universe.

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연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

sich vermehren 30초 만에

Sich vermehren is a reflexive verb used to describe biological reproduction or any numerical increase in things like money, problems, or population.
It is different from 'wachsen' (to grow in size) because it focus specifically on the quantity or count of items increasing.
Commonly heard in nature documentaries, financial news, and when discussing social trends or scientific processes involving cells and bacteria.
Always requires a reflexive pronoun (sich) and uses 'haben' in the Perfekt tense. It's a versatile word for both literal and metaphorical growth.

The German reflexive verb sich vermehren is a fundamental term that every learner should master, especially as they transition from basic survival German to more descriptive and scientific language. At its core, the verb describes an increase in number or quantity through a process of reproduction or accumulation. While English speakers might use separate words like 'to reproduce' for animals and 'to multiply' for numbers or money, German elegantly uses sich vermehren to cover both biological and abstract growth. This versatility makes it an essential part of the German vocabulary, appearing in contexts ranging from nature documentaries to financial reports.

Biological Context: In biology, this verb specifically refers to the process by which living organisms produce offspring. Whether it is bacteria dividing in a petri dish, rabbits in a field, or plants spreading their seeds, the act of increasing their population is described as 'sich vermehren'. It is often used in a neutral, scientific sense without the emotional weight of 'founding a family'.

Bakterien vermehren sich unter warmen Bedingungen extrem schnell.

Translation: Bacteria reproduce extremely quickly under warm conditions.

Financial and Abstract Context: Beyond biology, the verb is frequently used to describe the growth of assets, money, or even problems. If you invest money wisely, you hope that your capital 'multiplies itself'. Similarly, if rumors start to spread uncontrollably in a small town, a German might say that the rumors are 'multiplying'. This usage highlights the reflexive nature of the verb: the subject is the thing that is increasing in number.

Sein Vermögen hat sich durch kluge Investitionen über die Jahre vermehrt.

Translation: His wealth has increased over the years through clever investments.

Understanding the nuance between 'sich vermehren' and other verbs of growth like 'wachsen' (to grow) is key. While 'wachsen' often refers to an increase in size (a child growing taller), 'sich vermehren' strictly focuses on the increase in count or quantity. You wouldn't say a child 'vermehrt sich' unless you were talking about them having many children of their own. This distinction is vital for sounding natural in German. Furthermore, the word carries a sense of natural or automatic progression, suggesting that the increase is happening as a result of an inherent process rather than a single external action.

Social and Environmental Usage: In social sciences, you will hear this verb when discussing population dynamics. Phrases like 'die Bevölkerung vermehrt sich' (the population is increasing/reproducing) are common in academic texts and news reports. Environmentalists also use it to discuss invasive species that 'reproduce' and threaten local ecosystems.

Ohne natürliche Feinde vermehren sich diese Algen ungehindert.

Die Fehler in der Software vermehrten sich nach dem Update.

In summary, 'sich vermehren' is a versatile verb that connects the world of biology with the world of finance and social trends. It describes a self-driven increase in number, whether that be through birth, division, or accumulation. Mastering this word allows you to describe complex growth patterns with precision and clarity.

Using sich vermehren correctly requires a solid grasp of German reflexive verbs. The reflexive pronoun 'sich' must change to match the subject of the sentence. Because the verb is often used in the third person (he/she/it/they), you will frequently encounter 'sich', but you must be prepared to use 'mich', 'dich', 'uns', or 'euch' if the context demands it, though it is rare for people to 'multiply' themselves in a literal sense!

Present Tense Construction: In the present tense, the verb follows standard weak verb conjugation. The reflexive pronoun usually follows the conjugated verb in a main clause. For example: 'Die Kaninchen (subject) vermehren (verb) sich (reflexive pronoun) schnell.' If you have an adverb like 'schnell', it typically comes after the reflexive pronoun.

In diesem Klima vermehren sich Mücken besonders gut.

Translation: In this climate, mosquitoes reproduce particularly well.

Past Tense: Perfekt and Präteritum: The Perfekt tense is formed with the auxiliary verb 'haben'. The past participle is 'vermehrt'. Example: 'Die Zellzahl hat sich verdoppelt und damit vermehrt.' In written narratives or news reports, the Präteritum 'vermehrte sich' is common. 'Die Bevölkerung vermehrte sich im 19. Jahrhundert rasant.'

Das Unkraut im Garten hat sich über das Wochenende stark vermehrt.

Using Modals and Subordinate Clauses: When used with a modal verb like 'können' or 'müssen', 'sich vermehren' moves to the end of the sentence in its infinitive form. Example: 'Viren können sich nur in Wirtszellen vermehren.' In a subordinate clause (starting with 'dass', 'weil', etc.), the conjugated verb moves to the end. Example: 'Ich weiß, dass sich diese Pflanzen schnell vermehren.'

Es ist wichtig, dass sich die bedrohten Tierarten wieder vermehren.

Another important aspect is the use of 'vermehren' without the reflexive pronoun. This is the transitive form, meaning 'to increase something'. For example, 'Er will sein Wissen vermehren' (He wants to increase his knowledge). Note that in this case, there is a direct object ('sein Wissen') and no 'sich'. However, for A2 learners, the reflexive form is the most common way to describe things simply getting more numerous.

Warum vermehren sich diese Probleme ständig?

Finally, consider the register. While 'sich vermehren' is perfectly fine in everyday speech, it can sound slightly clinical when applied to humans. In casual conversation about friends having children, Germans are more likely to say 'Sie bekommen ein Baby' or 'Sie haben Nachwuchs bekommen'. Use 'sich vermehren' for humans only when speaking about demographics or population statistics to avoid sounding impersonal.

If you spend time in Germany or consume German media, you will encounter sich vermehren in several specific environments. It is not necessarily a word you use every morning at the bakery, but it is a staple of informative and educational content. Understanding where it pops up will help you recognize its context and tone immediately.

Documentaries and Nature Programs: The most common place to hear this word is in nature documentaries (Tierdokumentationen). Narrators often describe the life cycles of animals, explaining how they find mates and 'reproduce'. You'll hear phrases like 'Während der Paarungszeit vermehren sich die Tiere' (During the mating season, the animals reproduce). It is the standard term used by biologists and nature enthusiasts.

In dieser Dokumentation geht es darum, wie sich Korallen vermehren.

Translation: This documentary is about how corals reproduce.

Financial News and Advice: In the world of finance, 'sich vermehren' is used metaphorically. Banks and investment firms use it in their marketing to promise that your savings will grow. You might see headlines like 'So vermehrt sich Ihr Geld fast von allein' (This is how your money multiplies almost by itself). It sounds more active and dynamic than simply 'growing'.

Durch Zinsen vermehrt sich das Kapital auf dem Sparkonto.

News Reports on Population and Society: When news outlets like Tagesschau report on global population trends, they use 'sich vermehren'. They might discuss how the world population is growing or how certain species are becoming overpopulated. It is also used in a negative sense to describe the 'multiplication' of problems, such as 'Die Beschwerden vermehren sich' (Complaints are piling up/multiplying).

Die Menschheit vermehrt sich weiterhin rapide.

You might also hear it in academic settings, specifically in biology or economics lectures. Students are taught about 'Vermehrungsraten' (reproduction rates). In a more casual but still slightly formal setting, a gardener might complain about how weeds 'multiply' in the rain. It is a word that bridges the gap between technical terminology and descriptive everyday language, making it a powerful tool for any German speaker.

In der feuchten Wohnung vermehrte sich der Schimmel schnell.

Finally, in literature or more poetic German, 'sich vermehren' can be used to describe the growth of emotions or abstract concepts like 'Freude' (joy) or 'Leid' (suffering). For instance, 'Geteilte Freude ist doppelte Freude, denn sie vermehrt sich' (Shared joy is double joy, because it multiplies). This shows the positive, expansive side of the verb.

Learning sich vermehren comes with a few pitfalls that can trip up even intermediate students. Because the word has both a reflexive and a transitive form, and because it shares semantic space with other 'growth' verbs, it is easy to make errors in grammar or word choice.

Forgetting the Reflexive Pronoun: The most common mistake is omitting the 'sich'. If you say 'Die Kaninchen vermehren', the sentence is incomplete because 'vermehren' (without sich) requires an object. You would be saying 'The rabbits are increasing [something]', but you haven't said what. To say they are reproducing, you must say 'Sie vermehren sich'.

Falsch: Die Bakterien vermehren schnell.
Richtig: Die Bakterien vermehren sich schnell.

Confusing 'sich vermehren' with 'wachsen': English speakers often use 'to grow' for everything. In German, 'wachsen' is for size/height, and 'sich vermehren' is for number/quantity. If you say 'Die Bevölkerung wächst', it is correct because a population can be seen as a single growing entity. But if you are talking about individual units like 'Die Anzahl der Autos wächst', it is better to say 'Die Anzahl der Autos vermehrt sich' or 'nimmt zu'. Using 'sich vermehren' for a person's height ('Ich vermehre mich') would be very strange and suggest you are cloning yourself.

Falsch: Mein Kind vermehrt sich sehr schnell. (Unless the child is having many babies!)
Richtig: Mein Kind wächst sehr schnell.

Incorrect Auxiliary Verb in Perfekt: Some learners assume that because 'wachsen' (to grow) takes 'sein' in the Perfekt ('Ich bin gewachsen'), 'sich vermehren' should too. However, all reflexive verbs in German take 'haben' as their auxiliary verb. Therefore, it is always 'hat sich vermehrt', never 'ist sich vermehrt'.

Falsch: Die Fische sind sich vermehrt.
Richtig: Die Fische haben sich vermehrt.

Another nuance is the difference between 'sich vermehren' and 'sich fortpflanzen'. While they are often interchangeable in biology, 'sich fortpflanzen' is strictly biological. You cannot say 'Mein Geld pflanzt sich fort'. Using the wrong one in a financial context would sound hilarious to a native speaker, as it implies your money is having biological sex.

Die Möglichkeiten vermehren sich mit jedem Tag.

Finally, be careful with the word order in subordinate clauses. The reflexive pronoun 'sich' usually comes right after the subordinator (like 'dass' or 'weil') if the subject is a noun. If the subject is a pronoun, 'sich' comes after the pronoun. For example: '...dass sich die Tiere vermehren' vs '...dass sie sich vermehren'. Incorrect placement of 'sich' is a common marker of non-native speech.

German has a rich vocabulary for describing growth and increase. While sich vermehren is a great all-rounder, knowing its synonyms and related terms will help you be more precise in different contexts.

Sich fortpflanzen: This is the most direct biological synonym. It translates to 'to reproduce' or 'to procreate'. It is more formal than 'sich vermehren' and is used exclusively for living things. You would use this in a biology textbook or a formal discussion about evolution.

Säugetiere pflanzen sich geschlechtlich fort.

Zunehmen: This verb means 'to increase' or 'to gain'. It is very common for weight ('an Gewicht zunehmen'), speed, or intensity. While 'sich vermehren' implies a process of making more units, 'zunehmen' is a general increase in a value. 'Die Kriminalität nimmt zu' (Crime is increasing) is more common than 'Die Kriminalität vermehrt sich'.

Die Spannung im Raum nahm spürbar zu.

Steigen: This means 'to rise'. It is used for prices, temperatures, or levels. 'Die Preise steigen' (Prices are rising). It doesn't imply reproduction or multiplication, just a higher position on a scale.

Die Arbeitslosenzahlen steigen in diesem Quartal.

Sich anhäufen: This means 'to pile up' or 'to accumulate'. It is often used for things like work, debt, or trash. It implies a passive gathering of things rather than an active process of reproduction. 'Die Schulden häufen sich an' (The debts are piling up).

Auf meinem Schreibtisch häuft sich die Arbeit an.

Lastly, for mathematical contexts, you would use 'multiplizieren' (to multiply). 'Zwei mal zwei ergibt vier' is the standard way to say 2x2=4. However, you might hear 'vermehren' in word problems like 'Vermehre die Zahl um das Doppelte' (Increase the number by double). In daily life, 'sich vermehren' remains the most natural way to describe things that seem to be creating more of themselves, like 'Die Kaninchen im Park vermehren sich'.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The prefix 'ver-' in German often indicates a process or a change of state. Combined with 'mehr', it literally means 'to go into a state of being more'.

발음 가이드

UK /zɪç fɛɐ̯ˈmeːʁən/

US /zɪç fɛrˈmeɪrən/

The stress is on the second syllable: ver-MEH-ren.

라임이 맞는 단어

belehren verzehren ehren beschweren gewähren umkehren verehren erklären (near rhyme)

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing the 'v' like an English 'v' (it should be 'f').
Pronouncing the silent 'h'.
Forgetting to pronounce the 'ch' in 'sich' as a soft ich-laut.
Stressing the first syllable 'ver'.
Missing the reflexive pronoun 'sich' entirely.

난이도

독해 2/5

Easy to recognize due to the root word 'mehr'.

쓰기 3/5

Requires correct placement of the reflexive pronoun 'sich'.

말하기 3/5

Pronunciation of 'v' as 'f' and the long 'e' can be tricky.

듣기 2/5

Clear pronunciation in formal contexts makes it easy to hear.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

mehr viel wachsen sich haben

다음에 배울 것

die Fortpflanzung abnehmen zunehmen die Bevölkerung die Zinsen

고급

proliferieren die Exponentialfunktion der Zinseszinseffekt die Mitose

알아야 할 문법

Reflexive Pronouns

Ich vermehre mich (rare), du vermehrst dich, er/sie/es vermehrt sich.

Perfekt with 'haben'

Das Geld hat sich vermehrt.

Transitive vs. Reflexive

Er vermehrt sein Geld (transitive) vs. Das Geld vermehrt sich (reflexive).

Word Order in Subordinate Clauses

...weil sich die Tiere vermehren.

Adverb Placement

Sie vermehren sich *schnell*.

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수준별 예문

Die Hasen vermehren sich.

The rabbits are reproducing.

Basic reflexive use with a plural subject.

Mein Geld vermehrt sich.

My money is increasing.

Reflexive use with a singular neuter subject.

Blumen vermehren sich im Garten.

Flowers reproduce in the garden.

Present tense plural.

Fische vermehren sich im Wasser.

Fish reproduce in the water.

Simple subject-verb-reflexive structure.

Die Bakterien vermehren sich schnell.

The bacteria reproduce quickly.

Use of the adverb 'schnell'.

Vermehren sich die Vögel?

Are the birds reproducing?

Question form with verb first.

Hier vermehren sich die Insekten.

The insects are reproducing here.

Starting with an adverb of place.

Das Unkraut vermehrt sich.

The weed is multiplying.

Singular subject 'das Unkraut'.

In der Natur vermehren sich Tiere oft im Frühling.

In nature, animals often reproduce in spring.

Adding a time expression 'im Frühling'.

Das Kapital auf dem Konto hat sich vermehrt.

The capital in the account has increased.

Perfekt tense with 'haben'.

Diese Pflanzen vermehren sich durch Samen.

These plants reproduce through seeds.

Using the preposition 'durch'.

Warum vermehren sich diese Algen so stark?

Why are these algae reproducing so much?

Question with 'warum' and adverb 'stark'.

Die Mäuse haben sich im Keller vermehrt.

The mice have reproduced in the basement.

Perfekt tense with local prepositional phrase.

Ohne Feinde vermehren sich die Rehe schnell.

Without enemies, the deer reproduce quickly.

Prepositional phrase 'ohne Feinde'.

Wir sehen, wie sich die Zellen vermehren.

We see how the cells are reproducing.

Subordinate clause with 'wie'.

Die Probleme in der Firma vermehren sich.

The problems in the company are multiplying.

Metaphorical use for abstract problems.

Die Weltbevölkerung vermehrt sich jede Sekunde.

The world population increases every second.

Subject 'Weltbevölkerung' is singular.

Es ist faszinierend, wie sich Viren vermehren.

It is fascinating how viruses reproduce.

Subordinate clause with 'wie'.

Die Gerüchte über den Chef vermehren sich im Büro.

The rumors about the boss are multiplying in the office.

Reflexive use for abstract nouns.

Wenn es regnet, vermehren sich die Schnecken im Garten.

When it rains, the snails in the garden multiply.

Conditional 'wenn' clause.

Sein Wissen hat sich durch das Studium vermehrt.

His knowledge has increased through his studies.

Abstract use of the Perfekt tense.

In diesem Gebiet vermehren sich seltene Vogelarten wieder.

Rare bird species are reproducing again in this area.

Focus on 'wieder' (again) indicating recovery.

Die Fehler im System vermehren sich nach jedem Update.

The errors in the system multiply after every update.

Usage in a technical/abstract context.

Die Kaninchen vermehren sich, weil sie genug Futter haben.

The rabbits reproduce because they have enough food.

Causal 'weil' clause.

Die Bakterienkulturen vermehrten sich unter Laborbedingungen exponentiell.

The bacterial cultures reproduced exponentially under laboratory conditions.

Präteritum tense and scientific adverb 'exponentiell'.

Das investierte Kapital vermehrt sich durch den Zinseszinseffekt.

The invested capital multiplies through the compound interest effect.

Financial terminology 'Zinseszinseffekt'.

Durch die globale Erwärmung vermehren sich Schädlinge in neuen Regionen.

Due to global warming, pests are reproducing in new regions.

Complex causal structure with 'durch'.

Es ist schwer zu verhindern, dass sich diese Gerüchte vermehren.

It is hard to prevent these rumors from multiplying.

Infinitive construction 'zu verhindern' with 'dass'.

In der freien Wildbahn vermehren sich Pandabären nur sehr langsam.

In the wild, panda bears reproduce only very slowly.

Focus on the rate of reproduction 'sehr langsam'.

Die Möglichkeiten zur Zusammenarbeit vermehren sich durch das Internet.

The opportunities for cooperation multiply through the internet.

Abstract subject 'Möglichkeiten'.

Die Zellen im Körper vermehren sich durch Teilung.

The cells in the body reproduce through division.

Biological term 'Teilung'.

Kritiker sagen, dass sich die bürokratischen Hürden ständig vermehren.

Critics say that bureaucratic hurdles are constantly multiplying.

Subordinate clause with 'dass' and abstract noun.

In einer Leistungsgesellschaft vermehren sich oft auch die psychischen Belastungen.

In a meritocratic society, psychological pressures often also multiply.

Sociological context and abstract noun.

Die Information vermehrt sich im digitalen Zeitalter in einer beispiellosen Geschwindigkeit.

Information multiplies at an unprecedented speed in the digital age.

High-level vocabulary 'beispiellose Geschwindigkeit'.

Einige Parasiten vermehren sich, indem sie den Wirtsorganismus manipulieren.

Some parasites reproduce by manipulating the host organism.

Subordinate clause with 'indem'.

Das Erbe der Vorfahren vermehrte sich über Generationen hinweg.

The heritage of the ancestors increased over generations.

Präteritum and temporal phrase 'über Generationen hinweg'.

Es bleibt abzuwarten, ob sich die Proteste im ganzen Land vermehren werden.

It remains to be seen whether the protests will multiply throughout the country.

Future tense with 'werden' and 'ob' clause.

Die Komplexität des Projekts vermehrt sich mit jedem neuen Beteiligten.

The complexity of the project multiplies with every new participant.

Abstract noun 'Komplexität'.

Philosophisch betrachtet vermehrt sich das Glück, wenn man es teilt.

Philosophically speaking, happiness multiplies when you share it.

Abstract/philosophical usage.

Die Artenvielfalt könnte sich vermehren, wenn wir die Lebensräume schützen.

Biodiversity could increase if we protect habitats.

Konjunktiv II 'könnte' for hypothetical scenarios.

Die Vermehrung von Falschinformationen untergräbt die Grundpfeiler der Demokratie.

The proliferation of misinformation undermines the pillars of democracy.

Noun form 'Vermehrung' in a complex political context.

In der Quantenphysik scheint es, als ob sich Teilchen unter bestimmten Bedingungen vermehren könnten.

In quantum physics, it seems as if particles could multiply under certain conditions.

Konjunktiv II with 'als ob'.

Das Kapital der Oberschicht vermehrt sich oft losgelöst von der Realwirtschaft.

The capital of the upper class often increases detached from the real economy.

Economic critique with sophisticated vocabulary.

Die dichterische Kraft seiner Werke vermehrt sich mit jeder erneuten Lektüre.

The poetic power of his works increases with every re-reading.

Literary analysis context.

Es ist ein biologisches Paradoxon, wie sich manche Organismen unter extremem Stress vermehren.

It is a biological paradox how some organisms reproduce under extreme stress.

Scientific paradox discussion.

Die diplomatischen Spannungen vermehrten sich zusehends nach dem Scheitern der Verhandlungen.

Diplomatic tensions multiplied visibly after the failure of the negotiations.

Präteritum and high-level adverb 'zusehends'.

Durch die algorithmische Verstärkung vermehren sich extremistische Ansichten in sozialen Netzwerken.

Through algorithmic amplification, extremist views multiply in social networks.

Modern sociological/technical analysis.

Die Frage nach dem Sinn des Lebens vermehrt sich in unzählige Unterfragen.

The question of the meaning of life multiplies into countless sub-questions.

Highly abstract/metaphorical usage.

동의어

sich fortpflanzen zunehmen anwachsen multiplizieren sich häufen proliferieren wuchern steigen

반의어

sich verringern abnehmen sinken aussterben

자주 쓰는 조합

sich rasant vermehren

sich unkontrolliert vermehren

sich geschlechtlich vermehren

sich ungeschlechtlich vermehren

das Kapital vermehren

sich ständig vermehren

sich massenhaft vermehren

die Zellzahl vermehrt sich

sich durch Teilung vermehren

sich exponentiell vermehren

자주 쓰는 구문

Das Geld vermehrt sich von selbst.

— Used when money grows through interest without active effort.

Bei diesen Zinsen vermehrt sich das Geld fast von selbst.

Sorgen vermehren sich.

— Used when one problem leads to another.

Wenn man nicht aufpasst, vermehren sich die Sorgen schnell.

Sich wie die Karnickel vermehren.

— An informal, slightly rude way to say people are having many children.

Die Nachbarn vermehren sich ja wie die Karnickel!

Wissen vermehrt sich, wenn man es teilt.

— A common proverb about the value of sharing information.

In unserer Firma glauben wir, dass sich Wissen vermehrt, wenn man es teilt.

Die Fehler vermehren sich.

— Commonly said when a situation is spiraling out of control.

Seit dem Systemabsturz vermehren sich die Fehler.

Sich rasant vermehren.

— To reproduce or increase at a very high speed.

Die Ratten in der Stadt vermehren sich rasant.

Vermehrung verhindern.

— To stop something from reproducing or increasing.

Wir müssen die Vermehrung der Mücken verhindern.

Kapital vermehren wollen.

— To have the goal of increasing one's wealth.

Jeder Anleger möchte sein Kapital vermehren.

Sich im Geiste vermehren.

— A poetic way to say ideas are spreading.

Gute Ideen vermehren sich im Geiste der Menschen.

Ungehindert vermehren.

— To reproduce without any obstacles or predators.

Die Algen konnten sich im warmen See ungehindert vermehren.

자주 혼동되는 단어

sich vermehren vs wachsen

Wachsen means to grow in size/height; sich vermehren means to increase in number.

sich vermehren vs vermehren (transitive)

Without 'sich', it means you are increasing something else (e.g., your wealth).

sich vermehren vs fortpflanzen

Fortpflanzen is strictly biological; sich vermehren is more general.

관용어 및 표현

"sich wie die Karnickel vermehren"

— To reproduce very quickly and in large numbers (often used for humans, can be derogatory).

Früher haben sich die Menschen in diesem Dorf wie die Karnickel vermehrt.

informal

"Geteilte Freude ist doppelte Freude (sie vermehrt sich)"

— Shared joy is double joy (it multiplies).

Komm, erzähl mir dein Glück, denn Freude vermehrt sich beim Teilen.

poetic/proverbial

"Das Übel vermehrt sich"

— The evil/problem is spreading or getting worse.

Wenn wir jetzt nicht handeln, vermehrt sich das Übel nur noch weiter.

formal/literary

"Sein Scherflein vermehren"

— To increase one's modest contribution or savings (rare).

Er versuchte mühsam, sein bescheidenes Scherflein zu vermehren.

archaic

"Sich ins Unermessliche vermehren"

— To multiply to an immeasurable or infinite degree.

Die Schulden vermehren sich ins Unermessliche.

dramatic

"Die Reihen vermehren"

— To join a group or increase the number of members (often military or political).

Viele junge Leute vermehren die Reihen der Aktivisten.

formal

"Sich unter der Hand vermehren"

— To increase secretly or unnoticed.

Die Vorräte schienen sich unter der Hand zu vermehren.

literary

"Früchte vermehren"

— To increase the yield or results of work.

Wir müssen die Früchte unserer Arbeit vermehren.

metaphorical

"Den Reichtum der Welt vermehren"

— To contribute to global prosperity.

Innovationen vermehren den Reichtum der Welt.

formal/political

"Das Leid vermehren"

— To cause more suffering.

Krieg vermehrt nur das Leid auf beiden Seiten.

solemn

혼동하기 쉬운

sich vermehren vs vermehren

Transitive vs Reflexive

Reflexive 'sich vermehren' means to multiply/reproduce. Transitive 'vermehren' means to increase something.

Ich vermehre mein Geld (I increase my money) vs. Das Geld vermehrt sich (The money multiplies).

sich vermehren vs wachsen

Both mean growth

Wachsen is for size, sich vermehren is for quantity.

Die Blume wächst (The flower gets taller) vs. Die Blumen vermehren sich (There are more flowers now).

sich vermehren vs erhöhen

Both mean increase

Erhöhen is often used for prices, levels, or limits set by someone.

Die Bank erhöht die Zinsen (The bank raises the interest).

sich vermehren vs fortpflanzen

Synonyms in biology

Fortpflanzen is more clinical/formal and only for life.

Tiere pflanzen sich fort.

sich vermehren vs steigern

Both mean increase

Steigern is often used for performance, efficiency, or intensity.

Er steigert seine Leistung.

문장 패턴

Subject + vermehrt sich.

Das Geld vermehrt sich.

Subject + vermehrt sich + Adverb.

Die Hasen vermehren sich schnell.

Subject + hat sich + vermehrt.

Das Kapital hat sich vermehrt.

Weil + Subject + sich + vermehrt.

...weil sich die Bakterien vermehren.

Subject + kann sich + vermehren.

Viren können sich vermehren.

Subject + vermehrt sich + durch + Noun.

Zellen vermehren sich durch Teilung.

Die Vermehrung von + Noun + ist...

Die Vermehrung von Problemen ist besorgniserregend.

Es scheint, als ob sich + Subject + vermehren würde.

Es scheint, als ob sich das Leid vermehren würde.

어휘 가족

명사

die Vermehrung (reproduction/increase)

der Vermehrungsfaktor (multiplication factor)

der Vermehrungstrieb (reproductive instinct)

die Massenvermehrung (mass reproduction)

동사

vermehren (transitive: to increase something)

verstärken (to strengthen/amplify)

vergrößern (to enlarge)

형용사

vermehrbar (multipliable)

unvermehrbar (not multipliable)

vermehrt (increased/frequent)

사용법

frequency

Common in educational, scientific, and financial contexts.

자주 하는 실수

Die Kaninchen vermehren schnell. → Die Kaninchen vermehren sich schnell.
You forgot the reflexive pronoun 'sich'.
Das Geld ist sich vermehrt. → Das Geld hat sich vermehrt.
Reflexive verbs always use 'haben' in the Perfekt.
Ich vermehre mich jeden Tag (meaning growing taller). → Ich wachse jeden Tag.
'Sich vermehren' is for number, 'wachsen' is for size.
Mein Wissen pflanzt sich fort. → Mein Wissen vermehrt sich.
'Fortpflanzen' is only for biological reproduction.
Dass vermehren sich die Tiere. → Dass sich die Tiere vermehren.
In subordinate clauses, the verb must go to the end.

팁

Reflexive Pronoun

Always remember the 'sich'. Without it, the sentence feels like it's missing an object.

Biology vs Finance

This is one of the few words that perfectly bridges the gap between biology and money.

Size vs Number

Don't use it to say someone got taller. Use it to say there are more of them.

The 'V' Sound

Practice the 'f' sound at the start. 'Fermehren' is the correct sound.

Subordinate Clauses

In a 'dass' clause, 'sich' usually comes right after 'dass' if the subject is a noun.

Documentaries

Watch nature documentaries in German; you will hear this word constantly.

The 'Mehr' Trick

Just remember 'mehr' (more). Vermehren = to make more.

Demographics

Use this word when reading about German population trends.

Rabbits

The idiom 'wie die Karnickel' is very common but use it carefully.

Noun Usage

Use 'die Vermehrung' in essays to sound more professional.

암기하기

기억법

Think of the word 'MORE'. The core of 'ver-MEHR-en' is 'MEHR', which means 'MORE' in German. It's the process of making 'MORE' of 'YOURSELF' (sich).

시각적 연상

Imagine a single rabbit turning into a dozen rabbits. On each rabbit, the word 'MEHR' is written. This is 'sich vermehren'.

Word Web

Biologie Geld Kinder Bakterien Zinsen Wachstum Zahl Nachwuchs

챌린지

Try to find three things in your house that 'sich vermehren' (like dust, laundry, or plants) and write a sentence for each using the Perfekt tense.

어원

Derived from the Middle High German word 'meren', which means 'to make more'. It is built from the root 'mehr' (more).

원래 의미: To enlarge, to increase, or to augment a quantity.

Germanic (Indo-European).

문화적 맥락

Be careful when using it for humans in casual conversation; it can sound like you are talking about breeding animals.

English speakers might find it strange to use the same word for 'reproduce' and 'multiply money', but in German, it's very natural.

Used in scientific documentaries by Bernhard Grzimek. Appears in financial slogans of Sparkasse or Deutsche Bank. Common in German translations of the Bible: 'Seid fruchtbar und vermehret euch' (Be fruitful and multiply).

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Biology Class

Wie vermehren sich Zellen?
Die ungeschlechtliche Vermehrung.
Vermehrung durch Spaltung.
Eine hohe Vermehrungsrate.

Bank/Finance

Wie kann ich mein Geld vermehren?
Das Kapital vermehrt sich durch Zinsen.
Sichere Wege, sein Vermögen zu vermehren.
Die Zinsen vermehren das Guthaben.

Gardening

Das Unkraut vermehrt sich schnell.
Pflanzen durch Stecklinge vermehren.
Sich im ganzen Garten vermehren.
Die Blumen vermehren sich jedes Jahr.

Office/Work

Die E-Mails vermehren sich.
Die Probleme vermehren sich.
Die Arbeit hat sich vermehrt.
Wir müssen den Gewinn vermehren.

News/Demographics

Die Weltbevölkerung vermehrt sich.
Sich rasant vermehrende Spezies.
Maßnahmen zur Vermehrung von bedrohten Tieren.
Die Anzahl der Haushalte vermehrt sich.

대화 시작하기

"Wusstest du, dass sich manche Bakterien alle zwanzig Minuten vermehren?"

"Hast du Tipps, wie man sein Erspartes am besten vermehren kann?"

"Glaubst du, dass sich Probleme vermehren, wenn man nicht darüber spricht?"

"In deinem Garten vermehren sich die Rosen aber sehr schön, oder?"

"Wie vermehren sich eigentlich Haie?"

일기 주제

Schreibe über eine Situation, in der sich deine Aufgaben bei der Arbeit plötzlich vermehrt haben.

Wie würdest du dein Wissen vermehren, wenn du ein Jahr lang keine Verpflichtungen hättest?

Beschreibe den Prozess, wie sich Tiere in deiner Lieblingsdokumentation vermehren.

Reflektiere darüber, ob sich Glück wirklich vermehrt, wenn man es mit anderen Menschen teilt.

Denke an ein Hobby von dir. Hat sich dein Zubehör über die Zeit vermehrt? Warum?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Yes, but it sounds scientific or clinical. For example, 'Die Menschheit vermehrt sich' is fine for statistics. In a friendly context, say 'Sie bekommen Kinder'.

'Vermehren' is transitive (to increase something), while 'sich vermehren' is reflexive (to increase/reproduce on its own).

Yes, all reflexive verbs in German use 'haben' in the Perfekt tense.

Rarely. In math, we use 'multiplizieren'. However, word problems might use 'vermehren' to mean 'add to' or 'increase'.

The noun is 'die Vermehrung', which means reproduction or increase.

Yes, it is often used for problems, rumors, or diseases multiplying.

It is pronounced like an 'f', as in the English word 'fish'.

Yes, 'sich fortpflanzen' is only for biology. 'Sich vermehren' can be used for money and abstract things too.

It is a weak (regular) verb: vermehren, vermehrte, hat vermehrt.

Yes, plants 'vermehren sich' through seeds or offshoots.

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