German Conversation · Level 43
73 words
German word
belasten
Pronunciation
IPA/bəˈlastən/
Meaning
- verbburden
Example
Die hohen Nebenkosten belasten die Mieter.
The high additional costs burden the tenants.
More examples
Die Produktion belastet die Umwelt.
Production burdens the environment.
Core concept
A load is placed on a person, account, or environment, making it carry a cost, duty, or pressure.
Common phrases
das Konto belasten
debit the account
die Umwelt belasten
burden the environment
den Rücken belasten
strain the back
Similar words
überlasten: Excessive demands push a person or system beyond its normal limits.
aufbürden: An unwanted duty, cost, or responsibility is forced onto someone else.
erschweren: An added obstacle makes progress or achievement more difficult.
beladen: Goods are loaded onto a vehicle or vessel, making it heavier.
Definition in German
etwas so auf jemanden oder etwas wirken lassen, dass Kosten, Verantwortung oder Druck entstehen
Word origin
The verb combines the prefix be- with the Germanic noun Last, meaning a load or burden.
Usage tips
- The construction "jemanden mit etwas belasten" takes the person in the accusative and the added burden after mit.