01
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
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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 einfach
simple / just
'einfach' and 'bequem' can both express that something takes little effort. 'einfach' mainly means: not complicated, easy to understand, or easy to do. 'bequem' often means: comfortable for the body, for example a chair or shoes. But it can also mean that something can be done without much effort, for example 'eine bequeme Lösung' (a convenient solution). Learners confuse the words because both can sometimes seem like 'easy'. For tasks, rules, or explanations, 'einfach' usually fits. For sitting, clothing, travel, or effortless ways of doing something, 'bequem' often fits.
bequem
Nach der langen Fahrt war der breite Sessel besonders bequem.
After the long journey, the wide armchair was especially comfortable.
einfach
Die Anleitung ist einfach, deshalb kann ich das Regal allein aufbauen.
The instructions are easy, so I can assemble the shelf by myself.
In real life
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