to inter / set
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to inter
To ceremonially bury a deceased person, usually in a crypt, mausoleum, or grave. The term is often used in official or elevated language.
Die Urne wurde im Familiengrab beigesetzt.
The urn was interred in the family grave.
to set
In seafaring, to set an additional, smaller sail in order to catch more wind.
Bei schwachem Wind befahl der Kapitän, die Besansegel beizusetzen.
In light wind, the captain ordered the mizzen sails to be set.
'Beisetzen' (to inter/set) is a separable verb. The prefix 'bei-' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Man setzte die Urne in einer kleinen Zeremonie bei.
The urn was interred in a small ceremony.
The verb is made up of 'bei' (by/near/with) and 'setzen' (to set/place). The literal meaning is 'dazu setzen' (to set/add to it) or 'daneben setzen' (to set beside it). This fits both burial (placing someone with the other deceased) and seafaring (setting an additional sail).
Der Sarg wurde in der Gruft beigesetzt.
The coffin was interred in the crypt.
This word belongs to elevated or formal language. It is used mainly in official contexts or for solemn occasions to describe a burial.
Der verstorbene König wurde in der Kathedrale beigesetzt.
The deceased king was interred in the cathedral.
This meaning is very specific and belongs to the technical language of seafaring. Outside this context, you will hardly hear or read it.
Um schneller zu sein, müssen wir die Leesegel beisetzen.
To be faster, we have to set the studding sails.
to bury
Begraben and beisetzen can both refer to a burial. Begraben emphasizes laying a body in the ground and has a neutral tone. Beisetzen is more formal or elevated and can also be used for an urn or for a burial in a crypt.
Die Familie setzte die Urne des Verstorbenen feierlich in der Familiengruft bei.
The family solemnly interred the deceased’s urn in the family crypt.
Die Familie begrub den Verstorbenen in einem Erdgrab auf dem Friedhof.
The family buried the deceased in a traditional grave at the cemetery.
