warten
Translation
to wait, to maintain, to service
Examples
Ich warte auf den Bus.
I am waiting for the bus.
Bitte warten Sie einen Moment.
Please wait a moment.
Er wartet die Maschine regelmäßig.
He services the machine regularly.
Grammar Patterns
((auf+acc)) warten to wait for sb./sth. I am waiting for the bus.
((sth.acc)) warten to maintain/service sth. He services the machine regularly.
Similar Words
Synonyms: (to wait) harren, abwarten; (to maintain) instand halten, pflegen
Etymology
Derived from Old High German `wartēn` (to watch over, guard), which is related to the English word 'ward'. The meaning shifted from 'watching' to 'waiting'.
Memory Tips
Connect `warten` to the English 'waiter', who must wait for customers. The noun `die Wartung` (maintenance) helps remember the second meaning.