bellen
to bark
The typical loud sound a dog makes, often as a warning, when excited, or while playing.
EXAMPLE
Der Hund des Nachbarn bellt jedes Mal, wenn der Postbote kommt.
The neighbor's dog barks every time the mail carrier comes.
bellen
to bark
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Meanings
bellen
to bark
In a figurative sense, when a person snaps at or shouts at someone harshly, loudly, and unfriendly.
EXAMPLE
Der Feldwebel bellte seine Befehle über den Kasernenhof.
The sergeant barked his orders across the barracks yard.
Usage tips
Context clues
The meaning of the verb becomes clear from the subject. If the subject is a dog (or a similar animal), the literal meaning is intended. If the subject is a human being, it is the figurative, negative meaning.
EXAMPLE
Mein Hund bellt nie, er ist sehr ruhig.
My dog never barks; he is very quiet.
Fixed expression
There is a very well-known German proverb with this verb: 'Hunde, die bellen, beißen nicht' (dogs that bark don't bite). It means that someone who makes loud threats is often harmless.
EXAMPLE
Mach dir keine Sorgen wegen seiner wütenden E-Mail. Hunde, die bellen, beißen nicht.
Don't worry about his angry email. Dogs that bark don't bite.
Strongly negative meaning
When 'bellen' (to bark) is used for people, it is always strongly negative and derogatory. It describes a short, loud, and unfriendly call that is perceived as inhuman or aggressive.
EXAMPLE
Hör auf, mich so anzubellen! Sag es doch in einem normalen Ton.
Stop barking at me like that! Just say it in a normal tone.
Compare with
bellen vs schreien
to scream
Schreien and bellen can both describe a very loud, unfriendly utterance. Bellen presents speech figuratively as short, harsh, and bossy, while schreien primarily emphasizes loudness. Schreien is suitable for a neutral description; bellen is more precise when the tone is deliberately unfriendly.
bellen
Der Vorgesetzte bellte die Anweisung so schroff, dass alle sofort still waren.
The supervisor barked the order so harshly that everyone immediately fell silent.
schreien
Der Lehrer musste im Lärm schreien, damit ihn die Klasse verstand.
The teacher had to shout over the noise so that the class could understand them.
In real life
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