to process / edit
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to process
To work on a task, application, or topic in order to complete it or bring it to a result.
Die Sachbearbeiterin wird Ihren Antrag so schnell wie möglich bearbeiten.
The case worker will process your application as quickly as possible.
to edit
To change, correct, or improve a text, image, video, or audio file.
Ich muss die Fotos vom Urlaub noch bearbeiten, bevor ich sie ausdrucke.
I still have to edit the vacation photos before I print them.
to work
To shape a material such as wood, metal, or stone with tools, or to change its surface.
Der Tischler bearbeitet das Holz mit großer Sorgfalt.
The carpenter works the wood with great care.
to work on someone
To talk to a person intensely in order to convince them or get them to do something.
Seine Kinder haben ihn wochenlang bearbeitet, bis er ihnen einen Hund gekauft hat.
His children worked on him for weeks until he bought them a dog.
The verb 'bearbeiten' (to process/edit) has the prefix 'be-' and is inseparable. This means the prefix remains firmly attached to the verb in all sentence forms and tenses and is never placed at the end of the sentence.
Er bearbeitet gerade eine wichtige E-Mail.
He is currently editing an important email.
The prefix 'be-' makes the verb transitive. This means that 'bearbeiten' (to process/edit) always needs a direct object in the accusative. You always process or edit 'etwas' (something).
Können Sie bitte diesen Antrag bearbeiten?
Could you please process this application?
In administrative or professional contexts, 'bearbeiten' (to process) is often combined with tasks or documents. Typical examples are: 'einen Antrag bearbeiten' (to process an application), 'eine Anfrage bearbeiten' (to process a request), 'einen Fall bearbeiten' (to handle/process a case), or 'ein Thema bearbeiten' (to work on a topic).
Die Abteilung bearbeitet alle eingehenden Beschwerden.
The department processes all incoming complaints.
When it is about media, 'bearbeiten' (to edit) is used for changes and improvements. Common combinations are: 'Fotos bearbeiten' (to edit photos), 'ein Video bearbeiten' (to edit a video), 'eine Audiodatei bearbeiten' (to edit an audio file), or 'einen Text bearbeiten' (to edit a text).
Sie hat das Video geschnitten und mit Musik bearbeitet.
She cut the video and edited it with music.
In this colloquial meaning, the object is always a person. It describes intensive talking in order to convince someone. The goal is often expressed with a 'bis' clause (until-clause).
Sie hat ihn so lange bearbeitet, bis er zugestimmt hat, mitzukommen.
She worked on him until he agreed to come along.
to work
Both words can refer to working on a task. With arbeiten, the task usually appears with an, and the ongoing effort is foregrounded. Bearbeiten takes the task directly as an accusative object and focuses more strongly on completing it or achieving a result.
Lea bearbeitet den Antrag und will ihn heute abschließen.
Lea is processing the application and wants to finish it today.
Lea arbeitet noch an dem Antrag.
Lea is still working on the application.
