other

sich bedienen

help oneself · to help oneself

The reflexive verb "sich bedienen" has two primary meanings in German:

To help oneself: This is commonly used in the context of food or resources. It means that someone takes what they need or want, often from a buffet or a supply that is available to everyone.
To make use of / to utilize: This means to use a tool, a method, a source, or an abstract concept (like an argument or a metaphor) to achieve a goal. In this sense, it is often followed by the genitive case (e.g., "sich einer Methode bedienen").

Grammar: It is a reflexive verb ("sich"). When used in the sense of "making use of something," it requires the genitive case for the object (e.g., "Er bedient sich seiner Werkzeuge").
Word origin: It is derived from the verb "bedienen" (to serve/operate). The prefix "be-" combined with "dienen" (to serve) originally related to the act of serving someone. Adding the reflexive pronoun "sich" shifts the focus from serving others to serving oneself or using something for one's own purposes.

Synonyms:

For "helping oneself" (food/items):
- zugreifen
- sich nehmen[?](vocabuo://word/sich nehmen)
For "utilizing":
- verwenden
- benutzen
- gebrauchen
- anwenden

Antonyms:

For "utilizing":
- unterlassen (to refrain from using)
- ignorieren (to ignore)

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Du kannst dich am Büfett bedienen.other

You can help yourself at the buffet.

Jeder darf sich am Tisch selbst bedienen.other

Everyone is allowed to help themselves at the table.

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