German word

dienen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈdiːnən/

Meaning

  • verbbe useful

Example

Dieses Messer dient zum Schneiden.

This knife is useful for cutting.

Illustration for dienen (be useful)

More examples

Dieses Beispiel dient dazu, die Lösung zu erklären.

This example serves to explain the solution.

Core concept

A tool or person performs a useful service, either helping someone directly or doing the job intended for it.

Common phrases

  • als Beispiel dienen

    serve as an example

  • dazu dienen

    serve this purpose

Similar words

benutzen: Use an object or tool to carry out a task.
verwenden: Employ a tool, word, or other means for a defined purpose.
nutzen: Get a practical benefit from something or from an action.

Definition in German

Einer Person oder Sache nützen; einen bestimmten Zweck oder eine Funktion erfüllen

Word origin

Dienen is an inherited Germanic verb from Old High German dionon, whose older sense was serving and whose later uses include being useful and fulfilling a function.

Usage tips

  • Dienen als means serve as or function as and is followed by a noun phrase, whereas dienen zu introduces the intended use or purpose.

Other meanings

  • serveverb
  • perform one's dutiesverb

Opposites

  • schadenharmverb

Related words

  • dienlichusefuladjective
  • Dienstservicenoun

Word lists with this word