verb

bereiten

prepare

Etwas tun oder herstellen, damit es fertig oder nutzbar ist.

Definition & meaning

The verb bereiten primarily has two distinct meanings in German:

To prepare or make ready: This usage refers to the act of getting something ready for use or consumption. It is frequently used in culinary contexts, such as preparing a meal or a drink, or in a more figurative sense, like preparing a path or a way for someone.
To cause or give (an emotion or state): This is a very common usage where the verb describes causing someone to experience a certain feeling or situation. For example, one can "Freude bereiten" (give joy) or "Sorgen bereiten" (cause worries). In this sense, it functions similarly to "to cause" or "to inflict."

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar:

Verb type: Weak verb (regelmäßiges Verb).
Principal parts: bereiten (infinitive), bereitete (past tense), hat bereitet (past participle).
Reflexive use: It is generally not used reflexively. To say "to prepare oneself," the verb vorbereiten is used instead.

Word Origin: The word is derived from the Old High German bireiti and is closely related to the adjective bereit , meaning "ready." The prefix be- is used here to indicate the application of a state (readiness) onto an object. It shares the same root as the English word "ready."

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

vorbereiten : To prepare (more general and common for tasks or exams).
zubereiten : To prepare (specifically for food or drinks).
verursachen : To cause (used when bereiten means causing problems or feelings).
zufügen : To inflict or cause (often used with pain or damage).
bescheren : To bestow or bring (often used with joy or gifts).

Antonyms:

vermeiden : To avoid (in the context of causing something).
nehmen : To take away (the opposite of giving joy or worries).
zerstören : To destroy (the opposite of preparing or making something ready).