bauen
to build
To erect or construct a building or another structure.
EXAMPLE
Meine Nachbarn bauen gerade eine Garage neben ihr Haus.
My neighbors are currently building a garage next to their house.
bauen
to build
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Meanings
bauen auf
to count on
To rely on someone or something; to trust someone or something.
EXAMPLE
Bei diesem Projekt baue ich voll und ganz auf deine Unterstützung.
For this project, I am completely counting on your support.
Mist bauen
to mess up
Colloquial for making a mistake, doing something wrong, or causing mischief.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe beim Kochen Mist gebaut und jetzt ist die Soße angebrannt.
I messed up while cooking, and now the sauce is burned.
bauen
to build
To gradually develop or create something abstract, such as a relationship or a career.
EXAMPLE
Es braucht Zeit, Vertrauen in einer Freundschaft zu bauen.
It takes time to build trust in a friendship.
Usage tips
Context is key
The meaning of 'bauen' (to build) depends heavily on the context. A concrete object (house, wall) points to construction, while the preposition 'auf' expresses trust, and the object 'Mist' refers to a mistake.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder bauen eine Sandburg am Strand.
The children are building a sandcastle on the beach.
Typical construction projects
In the literal sense, 'bauen' (to build) is often associated with large structures. Typical objects are: a house, a bridge, a road, or a wall.
EXAMPLE
Die Stadt plant, eine neue U-Bahn-Linie zu bauen.
The city plans to build a new subway line.
Fixed preposition
In the meaning of 'sich verlassen auf' (to rely on), 'bauen' (to count on) is always used with the preposition 'auf' and the accusative. The structure is: 'auf jemanden/etwas bauen' (to count on someone/something).
EXAMPLE
Ich baue auf deine Zusage für das Projekt.
I am counting on your confirmation for the project.
Colloquial expression
The expression 'Mist bauen' (to mess up) is a fixed and very common colloquial phrase. It means that someone has made a mistake or done something stupid.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe Mist gebaut und den Kuchen im Ofen vergessen.
I messed up and forgot the cake in the oven.
Building abstract things
Similar to English, 'bauen' (to build) can also be used for abstract concepts. For example, you can gradually build a relationship, a career, or trust.
EXAMPLE
Es braucht viel Zeit und Mühe, eine gute Reputation zu bauen.
It takes a lot of time and effort to build a good reputation.
Compare with
bauen vs entwickeln
to develop
When talking about a career or relationship, sich entwickeln (to develop) mainly describes gradual change over time. Bauen (to build) places more emphasis on actively shaping something step by step. Sich entwickeln fits a process, while bauen is more suitable for deliberate action.
bauen
Mit gezielten Fortbildungen baute sie sich Schritt für Schritt eine Karriere auf.
Through targeted professional training, she built a career for herself step by step.
entwickeln
Nach ihrem Wechsel in die neue Abteilung entwickelte sich ihre Karriere sehr gut.
After she moved to the new department, her career developed very well.
In real life
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