wachsen
Translation
to grow, to increase
Examples
Die Pflanzen wuchsen sehr schnell.
The plants grew very quickly.
Früher wuchsen hier viele Apfelbäume.
Many apple trees used to grow here.
Grammar Patterns
((sb./sth.)) grows The children grow quickly.
Similar Words
Synonyms: zunehmen (to increase), steigen (to rise); Antonyms: schrumpfen (to shrink)
Etymology
From Old High German 'wahsan'. Cognate with the English word 'wax' (as in to grow larger, like the moon).
Memory Tips
Think of a plant growing by being 'washed' with water. 'Wachsen' sounds a bit like 'waschen' (to wash).