bequem
comfortable
Providing a feeling of physical well-being and relaxation; not restrictive or tiring.
EXAMPLE
Dieser Sessel ist sehr bequem.
This armchair is very comfortable.
bequem
comfortable / convenient
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Meanings
bequem
convenient
Easy to do or reach without great effort or trouble.
EXAMPLE
Es ist sehr bequem, online einzukaufen und sich die Waren nach Hause liefern zu lassen.
It is very convenient to shop online and have the goods delivered to your home.
bequem
lazy
Describes a person who avoids effort and prefers an easy, effortless life, sometimes to the point of laziness.
EXAMPLE
Er ist ein bisschen bequem geworden und nimmt für jede kurze Strecke das Auto.
He has become a bit lazy and takes the car for every short distance.
Usage tips
Context clues
The meaning of 'bequem' depends heavily on the context. If it refers to a piece of furniture or clothing, it means 'comfortable'. If it describes an action, it means 'convenient' or 'easy'. If it characterizes a person, it means 'lazy' or 'idle'.
EXAMPLE
Mein neuer Stuhl ist sehr bequem.
My new chair is very comfortable.
Word family
The related noun is 'die Bequemlichkeit' (comfort/convenience/laziness). It describes either the comfort of something or the quality of a person who avoids effort.
EXAMPLE
Die Bequemlichkeit dieses Sessels ist unübertroffen.
The comfort of this armchair is unmatched.
Typical collocations
When referring to physical well-being, 'bequem' (comfortable) is often combined with clothing, shoes, or furniture. A typical phrase is also 'es sich bequem machen' (to make oneself comfortable).
EXAMPLE
Zieh dir bequeme Schuhe für die Wanderung an.
Put on comfortable shoes for the hike.
Sentence structure with 'zu'
In the meaning 'einfach' (easy) or 'mühelos' (effortless), 'bequem' (convenient) is very often used in the structure 'es ist bequem, etwas zu tun' (it is convenient to do something).
EXAMPLE
Es ist bequem, mit der U-Bahn ins Stadtzentrum zu fahren.
It is convenient to take the subway into the city center.
Slightly negative meaning
When 'bequem' describes a person, it often has a slightly negative or critical meaning. It implies that the person avoids effort and tends toward laziness.
EXAMPLE
Mein Mitbewohner ist zu bequem, um sein Geschirr sofort zu spülen.
My roommate is too lazy to wash his dishes right away.
Compare with
bequem vs leicht
light / easy
Leicht and bequem can both express that something requires little effort. Leicht, however, emphasizes that a task is not difficult. Bequem highlights that it can be completed without much effort or under practical conditions.
bequem
Die Anmeldung lässt sich bequem von zu Hause aus erledigen.
The registration can conveniently be completed from home.
leicht
Die Anmeldung ist leicht, weil alle Fragen klar formuliert sind.
The registration is easy because all the questions are clearly worded.
In real life
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