German Conversation · Level 78
59 words
German word
bedienen
Pronunciation
IPA/bəˈdiːnən/
Meaning
- verbserve
Example
Der Kellner bedient die Gäste freundlich.
The waiter serves the guests politely.
More examples
Die Kellnerin bedient heute viele Gäste.
The waitress is serving many guests today.
Core concept
A person responds to a guest's needs or controls a machine through its controls.
Common phrases
die Gäste bedienen
serve the guests
einen Tisch bedienen
serve a table
am Schalter bedienen
serve at the counter
Similar words
helfen: Gives people in difficulty the help or guidance they need.
servieren: Brings food or drinks to guests and serves them.
anbieten: Presents goods or services for people to use or buy.
betreuen: Provides ongoing care and support to users or customers.
Definition in German
Jemandem Essen, Trinken oder Hilfe bringen und seine Wünsche erfüllen; ferner etwas benutzen oder steuern.
Word origin
The verb comes from German be- plus dienen, 'serve', and its meaning extended from serving people to operating tools and machines.
Usage tips
- For a person, bedienen takes an accusative object: jemanden bedienen, not the dative pattern expected from dienen.