German word

bereiten

Pronunciation

IPA/bəˈʁaɪ̯tən/

Meaning

  • verbprepare

Example

Ich bereite das Essen für die Familie.

I am preparing the meal for the family.

Illustration for bereiten (prepare)

More examples

Am Morgen bereite ich die Brote fürs Büro.

In the morning, I prepare the bread for the office.

Core concept

Someone brings ingredients, objects, or an outcome into the condition needed for what follows.

Common phrases

  • das Abendessen bereiten

    prepare the evening meal

  • die Mahlzeit bereiten

    prepare a meal

Similar words

vorbereiten: Getting needed materials and arrangements ready ahead of an action or task.
zubereiten: Preparing ingredients so food becomes ready for eating.
kochen: Preparing food by cooking it with heat, usually on a stove.
backen: Preparing food or cakes by cooking them in an oven.

Definition in German

Etwas für einen Zweck herrichten oder in einen passenden Zustand bringen; konkret Speisen zubereiten, übertragen jemandem etwas bereiten.

Word origin

Bereiten comes from Middle High German bereiten and Old High German bireiten, forms related to bereit meaning ready.

Usage tips

  • In cooking, bereiten covers preparation broadly, while kochen, braten, or backen specifies the cooking method.

Other meanings

  • causeverb

Related words

Word lists with this word