German Conversation · Level 130
45 words
German word
befriedigen
Pronunciation
IPA/bəˈfʁiːdɪgən/
Meaning
- verbsatisfy
Example
Das Ergebnis befriedigt mich.
The result satisfies me.
More examples
Sein Erfolg befriedigt ihn nicht dauerhaft.
His success does not satisfy him in the long term.
Core concept
A demand receives exactly enough response to leave the person or situation at rest.
Common phrases
Erwartungen befriedigen
satisfy expectations
Neugier befriedigen
satisfy curiosity
Similar words
erfüllen: To fulfill an expectation, requirement, condition, or promise.
zufriedenstellen: To give someone what they want and make them content.
stillen: To relieve hunger, thirst, or another physical need.
sättigen: To make someone full with food so they no longer feel hungry.
Definition in German
ein Bedürfnis, eine Forderung oder eine Erwartung so erfüllen, dass Zufriedenheit oder Ruhe eintritt
Word origin
The verb combines be- with the Germanic noun Frieden, 'peace', developing from making peaceful to satisfying a need, demand, or expectation.
Usage tips
- The reflexive form 'sich befriedigen' commonly has a sexual meaning, so 'zufrieden sein' or 'zufriedenstellen' is safer for ordinary contentment.
Other meanings
- fulfillverb
- gratifyverb
Opposites
- frustrierenfrustrateverb
Related words
- unbefriedigtunsatisfiedadjective
- Befriedigungsatisfactionnoun