beherbergen
to accommodate
To give someone lodging or a place to sleep, usually for a limited time.
EXAMPLE
Das Hotel kann bis zu 200 Gäste beherbergen.
The hotel can accommodate up to 200 guests.
beherbergen
to accommodate / house
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Meanings
beherbergen
to house
In a figurative sense, to carry or contain something within itself. This can refer to feelings, ideas, or also physical objects in a larger context.
EXAMPLE
Das Museum beherbergt eine beeindruckende Sammlung moderner Kunst.
The museum houses an impressive collection of modern art.
Usage tips
Word structure
The verb comes from the noun 'die Herberge' (a simple lodging). The prefix 'be-' turns it into a transitive verb meaning to give someone a 'Herberge' (lodging).
EXAMPLE
Die Familie war so freundlich, uns für eine Nacht zu beherbergen.
The family was kind enough to accommodate us for one night.
Inseparable verb
'Beherbergen' (to accommodate/house) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'be-' remains firmly attached to the verb stem in all tenses and sentence constructions.
EXAMPLE
Das alte Schloss beherbergte früher Könige und Königinnen.
The old castle used to accommodate kings and queens.
Register and style
'Beherbergen' (to accommodate/house) belongs more to elevated or written language. It sounds more formal and detached than other expressions for providing accommodation.
EXAMPLE
Die Stadt wird während der Konferenz Tausende von Besuchern beherbergen.
The city will accommodate thousands of visitors during the conference.
Context clues
The meaning is easy to recognize from the object. If the verb refers to people or living beings, it is about accommodation. If it refers to things, ideas, or feelings, it means 'enthalten' (to contain) or 'in sich tragen' (to carry within itself).
EXAMPLE
Wir können leider keine weiteren Gäste beherbergen.
Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate any more guests.
Compare with
beherbergen vs aufnehmen
to record / take in
Aufnehmen and beherbergen can both mean that someone is allowed to stay temporarily. Aufnehmen places more emphasis on accepting the person into one’s home and providing a place for them to stay; beherbergen primarily refers to providing accommodation or a place to sleep.
beherbergen
Während der Reparatur beherbergte die Familie ihre Nachbarin für zwei Nächte.
While their home was being repaired, the family housed their neighbor for two nights.
aufnehmen
Nach dem Brand nahm die Familie ihre Nachbarin bei sich auf.
After the fire, the family took their neighbor in.
In real life
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