verb
to improve, to correct
B1
"verbessern" means "to improve" (sich verbessern, improve oneself) and "to correct" (etwas verbessern, correct or improve something). It can be reflexive or transitive. Auxiliary: haben. Regular weak verb; past participle: verbessert. Common for skills, texts, and processes. Used also in teaching contexts to mark corrections.
Examples
Ich habe meine Noten verbessert.
I improved my grades.
Kannst du meinen Fehler im Text verbessern?
Can you correct my mistake in the text?
Die Firma verbesserte die Software, damit die Kunden weniger Fehler meldeten.
The company improved the software so that customers reported fewer errors.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture a tool labeled 'verbessern' that polishes a dull object until it shines (improvement)
think 'better' in English — 'verbessern' = to make better
Notes
A common transitive verb used for making something better or correcting mistakes. Collocations: 'sich verbessern' (to get better/improve oneself) when used reflexively.