01
bedecken
to cover
To place or spread something over a surface so that it is no longer visible or only partly visible.
example
Im Winter bedeckt eine dicke Schneeschicht die Landschaft.
In winter, a thick layer of snow covers the landscape.
bedecken
to cover
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Bedecken' (to cover) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'be-' remains firmly attached to the stem 'decken' in all sentence forms. It makes the action directed toward an object.
EXAMPLE
Sie bedeckte das schlafende Kind mit einer warmen Decke.
She covered the sleeping child with a warm blanket.
Sentence structure with 'mit'
When you want to state what something is covered with, you use the preposition 'mit' followed by the dative. The pattern is: subject covers accusative object with dative object.
EXAMPLE
Er bedeckte den Kuchen mit Schokoladenglasur.
He covered the cake with chocolate icing.
Reflexive use
The reflexive form 'sich bedecken' (to cloud over/become covered) is used almost exclusively for the sky when it becomes covered with clouds. The subject is always 'der Himmel' (the sky).
EXAMPLE
Plötzlich bedeckte sich der Himmel und ein Gewitter zog auf.
Suddenly the sky clouded over, and a thunderstorm was approaching.
Register and style
In the meaning 'to deal with a topic', 'bedecken' (to cover) is rather formal and is mainly used in written language, for example in reports, analyses, or academic texts.
EXAMPLE
Die Studie bedeckt ein breites Spektrum an sozialen Fragen.
The study covers a broad spectrum of social issues.
Compare with
bedecken vs behandeln
to treat / to deal with
'behandeln' and 'bedecken' can both be used for topics in texts, reports, or presentations. 'behandeln' means that you deal with a topic and talk or write about it. 'bedecken' in this meaning suggests more that an area is covered or included in terms of content. This often sounds factual, for example with courses, reports, or plans. Learners may confuse the words because both can be used for content. 'ein Thema behandeln' (to deal with a topic) is often more natural. 'einen Bereich bedecken' (to cover an area) fits when you want to say that a text or course contains enough content on that area.
bedecken
Der Kurs bedeckt alle wichtigen Themen für die Prüfung.
The course covers all the important topics for the exam.
behandeln
Im nächsten Kapitel behandelt das Buch die Geschichte der Stadt.
In the next chapter, the book deals with the history of the city.
In real life
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