beheben
to fix
To eliminate an error, defect, problem, or damage and restore the original, correct condition.
EXAMPLE
Der Techniker konnte den Fehler im System schnell beheben.
The technician was able to fix the error in the system quickly.
beheben
to fix / withdraw
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Meanings
beheben
to withdraw
To withdraw money from a bank account. This usage is common mainly in Austria and Switzerland.
EXAMPLE
Ich muss heute noch dringend Geld vom Konto beheben.
I urgently need to withdraw money from my account today.
Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Beheben' (to fix / withdraw) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'be-' remains firmly attached to the verb stem 'heben' in all conjugated forms and tenses. The past participle is 'behoben'.
EXAMPLE
Ich hoffe, er behebt das Problem bald.
I hope he fixes the problem soon.
Typical collocations
This verb is typically combined with negative things that you want to eliminate. Common objects are: 'einen Fehler' (an error), 'einen Mangel' (a defect), 'ein Problem' (a problem), or 'einen Schaden' (damage).
EXAMPLE
Die Firma muss den Schaden so schnell wie möglich beheben.
The company has to fix the damage as quickly as possible.
Register and style
'Beheben' (to fix) belongs more to formal or technical language. You often find it in instructions, business emails, or reports about errors, for example in software.
EXAMPLE
Der Programmierer hat den Bug in der Software behoben.
The programmer fixed the bug in the software.
Regional usage
The meaning 'Geld abheben' (to withdraw money) is used almost exclusively in Austria and Switzerland. This meaning is not used in Germany.
EXAMPLE
In Wien können Sie an jeder Ecke Geld beheben.
In Vienna, you can withdraw money on every corner.
Compare with
beheben vs beseitigen
to remove / eliminate
Beseitigen and beheben can both refer to a defect or error. Beseitigen emphasizes that the problem no longer exists; beheben additionally emphasizes that the correct condition is restored. In the context of a repair, beheben is therefore often more precise.
beheben
Die Mitarbeiter beheben den Mangel und stellen die sichere Funktion der Anlage wieder her.
The employees are fixing the defect and restoring the system to safe working order.
beseitigen
Die Mitarbeiter beseitigen den Mangel, damit er die Arbeit nicht länger behindert.
The employees are eliminating the defect so that it no longer interferes with their work.
In real life
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