What is the German translation for the word "absorb"?

The term "absorb" broadly means to take in or soak up a substance or information. In German, the most appropriate translation that captures this meaning is "aufnehmen." This term effectively conveys the sense of absorbing, whether it involves liquids, ideas, or sounds.

While "absorbieren" might seem like a logical choice due to its phonetic similarity, it is not commonly used in standard German. In many contexts, native speakers would prefer "aufnehmen" or might use other terms depending on the context.

"Verbrauchen" translates to "consume," which implies using up resources rather than absorbing them. Similarly, "entziehen" means "to withdraw" or "to take away," which does not align with the idea of taking in or absorbing something. Therefore, the translation that closely fits the original meaning of "absorb" in a variety of contexts is "aufnehmen."