zu|nehmen
Translation
to increase, to gain weight, to put on weight
Examples
Der Wind nimmt zu.
The wind is picking up.
Ich habe im Urlaub zugenommen.
I gained weight on vacation.
Die Gewalt in der Stadt nimmt zu.
The violence in the city is increasing.
Grammar Patterns
(intransitive) to increase The wind is picking up.
(intransitive) to gain weight I have gained weight.
((an+3)) to increase in sth. He has gained in weight.
Similar Words
ansteigen (to rise), wachsen (to grow); Antonyms: abnehmen (to decrease)
Etymology
From 'zu-' (to, in addition) + 'nehmen' (to take). Literally 'to take on in addition'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'taking on' (nehmen) 'more' (zu) weight or numbers. The opposite is 'abnehmen' (to take off).