01
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
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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 given a place to stay. 'aufnehmen' is broader: a family, a home, a school, or a group can take someone in. This can be about accommodation, protection, or belonging. 'beherbergen' means more specifically that you give someone lodging or a place to sleep, usually for a limited time. It sounds somewhat more formal than 'aufnehmen'. The words are easy to confuse when talking about guests or people without accommodation. In practical terms: someone who lets another person into their home can 'aufnehmen' them; a hotel or lodging accommodates guests, or 'beherbergt' them.
beherbergen
Im Sommer beherbergt das kleine Hotel viele Wanderer.
In the summer, the small hotel accommodates many hikers.
aufnehmen
Die Familie nimmt den Austauschschüler für drei Wochen bei sich auf.
The family is taking in the exchange student for three weeks.
In real life
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