German word

bessern

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈbɛsɐn/

Meaning

  • verbimprove

Example

Sein Zustand bessert sich langsam.

His condition is slowly improving.

Illustration for bessern (improve)

More examples

Ein paar Witze bessern die Stimmung.

A few jokes improve the atmosphere.

Core concept

A situation slowly turns upward, and a minor fault is gently put right.

Common phrases

  • sich bessern

    get better

  • die Stimmung bessern

    improve the atmosphere

  • das Verhalten bessern

    improve one's behavior

Similar words

verbessern: Actively make something better in quality, condition, or outcome.
sich bessern: Become better gradually as time passes.
sich erholen: Regain physical or emotional strength after rest or sleep.
genesen: Return to good health after illness or injury.

Definition in German

sich bessern: ein Zustand wird allmählich besser; etwas bessern: einen kleinen Mangel oder Fehler verbessern

Word origin

The verb bessern developed from besser, the comparative form of gut, and its older form was Middle High German besern.

Usage tips

  • Verbessern is usually more natural for actively improving a thing or result, whereas sich bessern commonly describes a condition improving.

Other meanings

  • turn aroundverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word