01
bebauen
to build on
To construct buildings on a plot of land or an area.
example
Die Gemeinde plant, das freie Feld am Ortsrand zu bebauen.
The municipality plans to build on the open field at the edge of town.
bebauen
to build on / to cultivate
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Inseparable verb
The verb 'bebauen' has the inseparable prefix 'be-'. This prefix turns the verb 'bauen' (to build) into a transitive verb that refers directly to an object, namely the area on which something is built or grown.
EXAMPLE
Die Stadt möchte das gesamte Ufer neu bebauen.
The city wants to redevelop the entire riverbank.
Sentence structure
'Bebauen' always needs an accusative object. This object is the area being worked on, for example a plot of land, a field, or farmland.
EXAMPLE
Der Landwirt bebaut den Acker hinter seinem Haus.
The farmer cultivates the field behind his house.
Context clue
You can tell from the context whether 'bebauen' means 'Gebäude errichten' (to construct buildings) or 'Pflanzen anbauen' (to grow plants). If it is about architecture, cities, or plots of land, the first meaning is intended. If it is about agriculture, fields, or plants, the second is intended.
EXAMPLE
Dieses Gebiet darf nicht bebaut werden, da es ein Naturschutzgebiet ist.
This area may not be built on because it is a nature reserve.
Use with 'mit'
In the agricultural meaning, the preposition 'mit' (with) is often used to say which plants are being grown. The plant is then in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Dieses Jahr bebauen wir das Feld mit Sonnenblumen.
This year we are cultivating the field with sunflowers.
Compare with
bebauen vs bauen
to build
'bauen' and 'bebauen' both have to do with erecting buildings. 'bauen' says what is being created: a house, a bridge, or another structure. 'bebauen' says what happens to an area: buildings are constructed on a plot of land or an area of land. Learners may confuse the words because both appear in the topic of buildings. Remember: you build a house, but you build on a plot of land. So 'bebauen' usually needs an area as its object.
bebauen
Die Stadt will das freie Grundstück neben dem Park bebauen.
The city wants to build on the empty plot next to the park.
bauen
Meine Schwester baut mit ihrem Mann ein kleines Haus am Stadtrand.
My sister and her husband are building a small house on the outskirts of town.
In real life
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