sich belaufen auf
to amount to
To reach a certain sum or amount. Used mainly in connection with costs, debts, or numbers.
EXAMPLE
Die Kosten für die Reparatur belaufen sich auf über 500 Euro.
The costs for the repair amount to over 500 euros.
belaufen
to amount to / to survey
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Meanings
belaufen
to survey
(archaic) To walk over an area in order to inspect, check, or measure it.
EXAMPLE
Der Förster beläuft regelmäßig sein Revier.
The forester regularly surveys his district on foot.
Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Belaufen' (to amount to / to survey) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'be-' remains firmly attached to the verb stem 'laufen' in all tenses and sentence constructions.
EXAMPLE
Die Summe belief sich auf genau 100 Euro.
The sum amounted to exactly 100 euros.
Fixed structure
This meaning is always used in the fixed structure 'sich belaufen auf + Betrag (Akkusativ)' (to amount to + amount (accusative)). The verb is reflexive and requires the preposition 'auf'.
EXAMPLE
Die Rechnung für das Abendessen beläuft sich auf 80 Euro.
The bill for dinner amounts to 80 euros.
Register and style
The expression 'sich belaufen auf' (to amount to) is formal and is used mainly in written language, in the news, or in business contexts to state exact numbers or sums.
EXAMPLE
Der Schaden durch den Sturm beläuft sich auf mehrere Millionen Euro.
The damage caused by the storm amounts to several million euros.
Archaic meaning
The meaning 'ein Gebiet abgehen' (to walk over/survey an area) is archaic and is hardly used in modern German. It is found almost only in old texts or historical descriptions.
EXAMPLE
In dem alten Roman belief der Wächter jede Nacht die Stadtmauern.
In the old novel, the guard surveyed the city walls every night.
Compare with
belaufen vs betragen
to amount to / to behave
Both words indicate how high a sum or amount is. “Betragen” is used directly with the sum, while “sich belaufen auf” forms a fixed reflexive construction with “auf.” Use “betragen” for a neutral statement and “sich belaufen auf” especially for costs, debts, or larger numbers.
belaufen
Die Reparaturkosten belaufen sich auf ungefähr hundert Euro.
The repair costs come to approximately one hundred euros.
betragen
Die Reparaturkosten betragen ungefähr hundert Euro.
The repair costs amount to approximately one hundred euros.
In real life
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