German word

beantworten

Pronunciation

IPA/bəˈantvɔɐ̯tən/

Meaning

  • verbanswer

Example

Er beantwortet die Frage schnell.

He answers the question quickly.

Illustration for beantworten (answer)

More examples

Können Sie bitte meine Nachricht beantworten?

Could you please answer my message?

Core concept

An open question receives the information needed to close its missing piece.

Common phrases

  • eine Nachricht beantworten

    answer a message

  • eine Anfrage beantworten

    answer an inquiry

Similar words

antworten: Gives a brief reply, often just a word or short statement.
erklären: Makes a reason or process understandable by describing it clearly.

Definition in German

Auf eine Frage gezielt Auskunft geben und das Gefragte direkt behandeln.

Word origin

Beantworten is formed by adding the prefix be- to antworten, creating a transitive verb that takes the question or request as its object.

Usage tips

  • Beantworten takes an accusative object, as in eine Frage beantworten, while antworten commonly uses auf eine Frage or a dative person.

Opposites

Word lists with this word