gestalten
Translation
to shape, to design, to form, to create
Examples
Wir gestalten den Garten neu.
We are redesigning the garden.
Er gestaltet seine Zukunft selbst.
He shapes his own future.
Die Freizeit sinnvoll gestalten.
To organize one's free time meaningfully.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to shape, design sth. We are redesigning the garden.
Similar Words
Synonyms: formen (to form), bilden (to build), entwerfen (to draft); Antonyms: zerstören (to destroy)
Etymology
Derived from the noun 'Gestalt' (shape, form), literally meaning 'to give shape to'.
Memory Tips
Think of the 'Gestalt' principles in psychology, which are about how we perceive forms and shapes. 'Gestalten' is the verb form of this concept.