bedienen
serve · operate · help
Einer Person helfen, etwas zu benutzen oder ihr etwas bringen, zum Beispiel in einem Restaurant oder Geschäft.
The German word "bedienen" is a verb meaning "to serve", "to operate", or "to attend to".
It is derived from the verb stem "dienen", which means "to serve". The prefix "be-" here often implies an action directed at something.
Similar words:
- servieren (to serve, especially food)
- betätigen (to operate)
- versorgen (to provide, supply)
- arbeiten (to work, less specific)
Difference:
- bedienen emphasizes actively serving or operating something (e.g., serving customers, operating machines).
- servieren is more specific to serving food or drinks.
- betätigen focuses more on the mechanical aspect—operating devices or controls.
- versorgen implies supplying or taking care of needs rather than direct service or operation.
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Examples
Der Kellner bedient uns.verb
The waiter serves us.
Sie bedienen die Gäste mit großer Sorgfalt.verb
They serve the guests with great care.
Sie bedienen die Maschine mit großer Sorgfalt.verb
They operate the machine with great care.
Er kann den Automaten selbst bedienen.verb
He can operate the vending machine himself.
Bitte bedienen Sie sich am Buffet.verb
Please help yourself at the buffet.
Techniker lernen, wie man Geräte richtig bedient.verb
Technicians learn how to operate devices correctly.
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