verfeinern

/fɛɐ̯ˈfaɪ̯nɐn/

verb C1

der (masc.) die (fem.) das (neut.)

Underline = a spelling pattern that usually signals that gender.

Forms

present: verfeinert
past: verfeinerte
perfect: hat verfeinert

Meaning

to refine
- Sie verfeinert das Rezept.
  
  She refines the recipe.
- Der Koch verfeinert die Soße mit etwas Sahne. Das macht sie samtig.
  
  The cook refines the sauce with a little cream. That makes it velvety.

Similar words

veredeln

veredeln is more about upgrading quality or value, like refining raw materials or grafting plants; verfeinern is more about making something more delicate or nuanced, like refining a technique or a flavor.

Similar in other languages

Portuguese

aprimorar

aprimorar is the Portuguese word for the same thing — both mean "to refine."

Portuguese

refinar

refinar is the Portuguese word for the same thing — both mean "to refine."

Practice

1 What does verfeinern mean?

2 Fill the gap: Sie ___ das Rezept.

3 Which fingerprint chart matches verfeinern?

verb

Last updated 2026-09-24