How is "absorbieren" best translated into English?

The term "absorbieren" is best translated into English as "to absorb." In German, "absorbieren" refers to the process of taking in or soaking up substances, such as liquids or gases. This aligns perfectly with the English verb “to absorb,” which conveys the same meaning of integrating or incorporating into a substance. The context of usage often involves physical processes like how a sponge absorbs water or biological processes like how cells absorb nutrients.

The other choices do not accurately capture the meaning of "absorbieren." For example, "to penetrate" implies entering or passing through something, which does not reflect the original term's focus on intake or incorporation. "To secrete" involves producing and releasing a substance, typically in biological contexts, which is distinctly different. Lastly, "to collect" suggests gathering or amassing items, rather than the process of assimilation that "absorbieren" conveys. Thus, "to absorb" is the most fitting translation reflecting the essence of the original term.