German Conversation · Level 153
30 words
German word
bekleiden
Pronunciation
IPA/bəˈklaɪ̯dən/
Meaning
- verbdress
Example
Die Mutter bekleidet das Kind mit einer warmen Jacke.
The mother is dressing the child in a warm jacket.
More examples
Seit 2018 bekleidet sie das Amt der Präsidentin.
Since 2018, she has held the office of president.
Core concept
A person or surface receives an outer layer, from clothing on a body to a role that figuratively clothes its holder.
Common phrases
ein Amt bekleiden
hold an office
einen Posten bekleiden
hold a post
jemanden mit Kleidung bekleiden
clothe someone
Similar words
anziehen: To put clothes on the body as part of getting dressed.
ankleiden: To dress another person by putting clothes on them.
kleiden: To shape someone's appearance through clothing and style.
Definition in German
Jemanden mit Kleidung versehen; etwas bedecken; im übertragenen Sinn eine Stellung oder Aufgabe innehaben.
Word origin
The verb combines the prefix be- with kleiden, 'to clothe', which is related to Kleid; the role sense extends this clothing image figuratively.
Usage tips
- In everyday speech, anziehen or ankleiden is usually more natural for putting clothes on someone, while bekleiden often sounds formal.
Other meanings
- holdverb
- coververb
Opposites
- auskleidenundressverb
- entkleidenstripverb
Related words
- Bekleidungclothingnoun
- Bekleidungsindustrieclothing industrynoun
- bekleidetdressedadjective