German word

beleben

Pronunciation

IPA/bəˈleːbən/

Meaning

  • verbliven up

Example

Die Musik belebt die Stimmung.

The music livens up the atmosphere.

Illustration for beleben (liven up)

More examples

Ein Spaziergang belebt den Alltag.

A walk enlivens everyday life.

Core concept

Something that feels dormant receives fresh life and becomes noticeably more animated and active.

Common phrases

  • die Atmosphäre beleben

    enliven the atmosphere

  • den Alltag beleben

    enliven everyday life

  • die Debatte beleben

    enliven the debate

Similar words

auflockern: To relax a tense atmosphere and make conversation easier.
aufpeppen: To add fresh ideas or style to make something more lively.
anregen: To spark interest and prompt new topics or ideas.
aufmuntern: To make someone feel more cheerful and encouraged.

Definition in German

etwas oder jemanden so beeinflussen, dass er lebendiger oder aktiver wirkt

Word origin

The verb comes from Germanic leben, 'to live', with be- adding the sense that an object is affected or supplied with this vitality.

Usage tips

  • The past participle is 'belebt', not 'gebelebt', because verbs with the inseparable prefix be- do not take ge- in the participle.

Other meanings

  • invigorateverb

Opposites

Related words

  • Belebunginvigorationnoun
  • belebendstimulatingadjective

Word lists with this word