German Conversation · Level 163
30 words
German word
befestigen
Pronunciation
IPA/bəˈfɛstɪgn̩/
Meaning
- verbsecure
Example
Ich befestige das Bild an der Wand.
I secure the picture to the wall.
More examples
Er befestigt das Gepäck im Kofferraum mit Gurten.
He secures the luggage in the trunk with straps.
Core concept
A bicycle secured to a rack so that it stays where it is.
Common phrases
mit Schrauben befestigen
secure with screws
an der Decke befestigen
attach to the ceiling
den Gurt befestigen
fasten the strap
Similar words
anbringen: Attach something to a surface or another object so it stays in place.
aufhängen: Hang something from a hook or similar support.
montieren: Assemble a component and install it in its intended position.
fixieren: Hold something in a fixed position so it cannot move.
Definition in German
etwas an etwas so befestigen, dass es fest sitzt und sich nicht mehr bewegt.
Word origin
Befestigen is a be- derivative of the Germanic adjective fest, whose sense of firmness developed into the verb's meaning of securing something.
Usage tips
- For a surface, an is common, while auf is used when something is secured on top of a surface; both prepositions take the dative for a fixed location.