bergen
Translation
to rescue, to salvage, to hide, to conceal
Examples
Die Feuerwehr konnte die Verletzten bergen.
The fire brigade was able to rescue the injured.
Das Wrack wurde aus dem Meer geborgen.
The wreck was salvaged from the sea.
Das alte Schloss birgt viele Geheimnisse.
The old castle holds many secrets.
Grammar Patterns
((sb./sth.)) ((from sth.)) to rescue/salvage sb./sth. from sth. They bergen the sailors from the sinking ship.
((sth.)) to hold/contain sth. The plan birgt many risks.
Similar Words
Synonyms: retten (to save), sichern (to secure), verbergen (to hide); Antonyms: preisgeben (to reveal), offenbaren (to disclose)
Etymology
From Old High German 'bergan' (to protect, hide). Related to the English words 'bury' and 'borough' (a fortified place).
Memory Tips
Imagine a mountain ('Berg') hiding something or providing shelter. Or think of bringing something to a safe 'harbour'. The feeling of security, 'Geborgenheit', comes from this root.