schicken vs verschicken
German word comparison
Listen to schicken
Listen to verschicken
| schicken | verschicken |
|---|---|
SCHI-ken verb | /fɛɐ̯ˈʃɪkən/ (fer-SHIK-en) verb |
| to send (someone/something to another person or place) | to send out or dispatch (usually items, parcels, letters) to recipients |
How they differ
'Verschicken' emphasizes dispatching or sending out (often multiple items or mailings) and sometimes the distribution process; 'schicken' is a broader, more general verb for sending and does not necessarily highlight the logistical aspect. Use 'verschicken' when you want to stress that something is being sent out from a sender to recipients.
When to use each
When to use schicken: Prefer 'schicken' for general, everyday references to sending a single item or asking someone to send something.
When to use verschicken: Prefer 'verschicken' when talking about mailing, dispatching goods, or sending out multiple items (business/mail contexts).
Side-by-side examples
- Ich schicke dir das Buch morgen.
(I'll send you the book tomorrow.) - Wir verschicken die Bestellungen am Montag.
(We will dispatch the orders on Monday.)
Register & nuance: 'Verschicken' is neutral and common in both spoken and written German, especially in postal or commercial contexts; it is slightly more specific than 'schicken'.