to attend / to be inherent
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to attend
To be present at an event, ceremony, or meeting as a spectator or participant. This word is usually used in a formal or elevated context.
Der Botschafter wohnte der feierlichen Eröffnung der Ausstellung bei.
The ambassador attended the ceremonial opening of the exhibition.
to be inherent
A quality or characteristic that naturally belongs to a thing or person. This meaning is rather abstract and rare.
Dem Kunstwerk wohnt eine tiefe Melancholie bei.
A deep melancholy is inherent in the artwork.
to have intercourse
An outdated and euphemistic term for sexual intercourse.
In historischen Romanen wird manchmal beschrieben, wie ein Adliger seiner Mätresse beiwohnte.
In historical novels, it is sometimes described how a nobleman had intercourse with his mistress.
'Beiwohnen' (to attend / to be inherent) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'bei' goes at the end. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Der Kanzler wohnte der Sitzung persönlich bei.
The chancellor personally attended the meeting.
The verb 'beiwohnen' (to attend / to be inherent) is always used with the dative. You attend 'einer Sache' (a thing/event in the dative), not 'eine Sache' (a thing/event in the accusative).
Ich konnte dem Konzert leider nicht beiwohnen.
Unfortunately, I could not attend the concert.
In the meaning 'anwesend sein' (to be present), 'beiwohnen' (to attend) belongs to formal or elevated language. It is often found in official reports, invitations, or in the press.
Zahlreiche Gäste wohnten dem Staatsbankett bei.
Numerous guests attended the state banquet.
Typically, one attends formal occasions with 'beiwohnen'. Common combinations are: 'einer Sitzung beiwohnen' (to attend a meeting), 'einer Verhandlung beiwohnen' (to attend a hearing/trial), 'einer Zeremonie beiwohnen' (to attend a ceremony), or 'einer Vorstellung beiwohnen' (to attend a performance).
Die Richter wohnten der Urteilsverkündung bei.
The judges attended the pronouncement of the verdict.
When a quality is 'innewohnt' (inherent in) something, the subject of the sentence is the thing itself. The quality that is inherent in it often appears as a noun in the sentence.
Dieser Musik wohnt eine besondere Kraft bei.
A special power is inherent in this music.
to visit
Both words refer to being present at an event. „Besuchen“ is neutral and takes an accusative object, whereas „beiwohnen“ sounds much more formal and is used with the dative. In everyday speech, people usually say that they are attending an event with „besuchen“; in a formal text, they can use „beiwohnen“.
Der Botschafter wohnte der feierlichen Eröffnung im Rathaus bei.
The ambassador attended the ceremonial opening at the town hall.
Viele Bürger besuchten die öffentliche Sitzung im Rathaus.
Many citizens attended the public meeting at the town hall.
