German word

bereichern

Pronunciation

IPA/bəˈʁaɪ̯çɐn/

Meaning

  • verbenrich

Example

Musik bereichert unser Leben.

Music enriches our lives.

Illustration for bereichern (enrich)

More examples

Neue Eindrücke bereichern das Gespräch.

New impressions enrich the conversation.

Core concept

An existing person, work, or experience gains depth and value when something worthwhile is added to it.

Common phrases

  • seinen Wortschatz bereichern

    enrich his vocabulary

  • den Horizont bereichern

    enrich the horizon

  • die Diskussion bereichern

    enrich the discussion

Similar words

verbessern: Something becomes better in condition, quality, or performance.
erweitern: Something covers a broader range or offers more possibilities.
vertiefen: Understanding or a relationship becomes deeper and more firmly developed.

Definition in German

etwas oder jemanden durch das Hinzufügen von Wissen, Erfahrung, Wert oder Schönheit reicher und damit wertvoller machen.

Word origin

Bereichern combines the prefix be- with the inherited adjective reich, meaning 'rich', to form a verb for making something richer.

Usage tips

  • The reflexive form sich bereichern often suggests gaining money or property unfairly, unlike the generally positive non-reflexive verb.

Other meanings

  • enhanceverb

Opposites

  • beraubendepriveverb
  • verarmengrow poorverb

Related words

Word lists with this word