German word

bedeuten

Pronunciation

IPA/bəˈdɔɪ̯tən/

Meaning

  • verbmean

Example

Das Wort bedeutet Freund.

The word means "friend".

Illustration for bedeuten (mean)

More examples

Was bedeutet dieses Wort?

What does this word mean?

Core concept

A word, sign, or event points beyond itself to a meaning or consequence.

Common phrases

  • Was bedeutet dieses Wort?

    What does this word mean?

  • Das Wort bedeutet ...

    The word means ___

  • Für mich bedeutet ...

    For me, it means ___

Similar words

meinen: State or intend a particular idea or message.
heißen: Be known by a particular name.
nennen: Assign or use a particular name for someone or something.

Definition in German

einen Sinn oder eine Aussage von Wörtern, Zeichen oder Ereignissen angeben

Word origin

Bedeuten arose from Middle High German bediuten, formed with be- from deuten, which meant 'interpret' or 'point out' and continues Old High German diuten.

Usage tips

  • Bedeuten usually takes the thing whose meaning is given as an accusative object, as in 'Das Wort bedeutet Freund.'

Other meanings

  • indicateverb
  • matterverb

Related words

Word lists with this word