01
bekleiden
to hold
To hold an official office or a high position. This is a formal expression.
example
Sie bekleidet das Amt der Finanzministerin.
She holds the office of finance minister.
bekleiden
to hold / clad
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 03
Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Bekleiden' (to hold / clad) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'be-' remains firmly attached to the verb stem 'kleiden' in all conjugated forms and sentence types.
EXAMPLE
Er bekleidete viele Jahre lang eine wichtige Position in der Regierung.
He held an important position in the government for many years.
Formal usage
In the meaning 'to hold an office', 'bekleiden' (to hold) belongs to formal written language. It is often found in official, political, or professional contexts.
EXAMPLE
Wer wird das Amt des Bürgermeisters als Nächstes bekleiden?
Who will be the next to hold the office of mayor?
Typical collocations
The verb is used almost exclusively with abstract nouns that describe an official role. Typical objects are 'ein Amt' (an office), 'eine Position' (a position), 'eine Funktion' (a function), or 'eine Rolle' (a role).
EXAMPLE
Er bekleidet das Amt des Schatzmeisters im Verein.
He holds the office of treasurer in the association.
Outdated meaning
The literal meaning 'jemanden anziehen' (to dress someone) is very rare today and sounds outdated or literary. It is no longer used in everyday language.
EXAMPLE
In historischen Romanen werden die Damen oft von Zofen bekleidet.
In historical novels, the ladies are often dressed by maids.
Compare with
bekleiden vs belegen
to book / prove / top
'belegen' and 'bekleiden' can both express that someone or something has a place or position. The difference lies in the context. 'belegen' is used for seats, courses, rooms, or also for a rank in a list or competition. 'bekleiden' fits an official office or high position and sounds formal. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with 'having a place'. In practice: you use 'belegen' for a course or rank, and 'bekleiden' for an office.
bekleiden
Frau Becker bekleidet seit drei Jahren ein wichtiges Amt in der Stadtverwaltung.
Ms. Becker has held an important office in the city administration for three years.
belegen
Im Wettbewerb belegte unsere Mannschaft den zweiten Platz.
In the competition, our team placed second.
In real life
Loading video examples...