befördern
to transport
To transport people, animals, or goods from one place to another.
EXAMPLE
Der Bus befördert täglich Hunderte von Pendlern in die Stadt.
The bus transports hundreds of commuters into the city every day.
befördern
to transport / promote
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Meanings
befördern
to promote
To raise someone to a higher professional position, a higher rank, or a higher level.
EXAMPLE
Nach nur zwei Jahren im Unternehmen wurde sie zur Teamleiterin befördert.
After only two years at the company, she was promoted to team leader.
Usage tips
Inseparable verb
The verb 'befördern' (to transport / promote) is inseparable. The prefix 'be-' remains firmly attached to the verb stem in all sentence forms and tenses and is never placed at the end of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Die Fähre befördert Autos auf die Insel.
The ferry transports cars to the island.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the object: if goods or people are being transported (e.g., by bus or ship), it is about transport. If it is a person in a professional context who receives a higher position, it is about a promotion at work.
EXAMPLE
Die neue Seilbahn befördert bis zu 500 Personen pro Stunde.
The new cable car transports up to 500 people per hour.
Typical collocations
In the transport context, 'befördern' (to transport) is often combined with means of transport or places. Typical phrases are 'Passagiere befördern' (to transport passengers), 'Waren befördern' (to transport goods), or 'jemanden von A nach B befördern' (to transport someone from A to B).
EXAMPLE
Dieses Schiff befördert hauptsächlich Container.
This ship mainly transports containers.
Sentence structure with 'zu'
When someone receives a new position, the new role is given with the preposition 'zu' and the dative. The pattern is: 'jemanden zu etwas befördern' (to promote someone to something).
EXAMPLE
Man hat sie zur Direktorin der Marketingabteilung befördert.
She was promoted to director of the marketing department.
Compare with
befördern vs fördern
to promote / extract
In a professional context, Fördern means supporting a person's development or advancement, for example through training or challenging tasks. Befördern refers to the specific move to a higher position or rank. Förderung can lead to Beförderung, but it does not guarantee it.
befördern
Die Chefin befördert Mia nach der Weiterbildung zur Teamleiterin.
After the training, the manager is promoting Mia to team leader.
fördern
Die Chefin fördert Mia durch eine Weiterbildung und neue Aufgaben.
The manager is supporting Mia by arranging further training and giving her new responsibilities.
In real life
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