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German Level 3 verb

bewegen

/bəˈveːɡən/

Definition

To move something or someone from one place to another; or (reflexively) to move oneself, to exercise.

Example

Du solltest dich jeden Tag mehr bewegen.

Show translation

You should move more every day.

Etymology

From Middle High German *bewegen*, from Old High German *biwegan* ("to stir, set in motion"), composed of the prefix *be-* (intensifying) + *wegen* (related to *Weg*, "way, path"). Cognate with English *weigh* and *wag*, all from Proto-Germanic *\*wagjaną* ("to move back and forth").

Cultural note

Germans are fond of the phrase *sich bewegen* in health contexts — public campaigns like "Mehr Bewegung im Alltag" ("More movement in everyday life") are common. Note that *bewegen* can also be used figuratively: *Das hat mich sehr bewegt* means "That moved me deeply (emotionally)," making it a versatile word across physical and emotional registers.

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