to advise
Loading your saved state.
to advise
To give someone expert advice or a recommendation on a particular topic.
Die Bankangestellte hat mich gut zu den verschiedenen Anlagemöglichkeiten beraten.
The bank employee gave me good advice about the different investment options.
'Beraten' (to advise) is an inseparable verb that comes from 'raten' (to advise someone). The prefix 'be-' changes the case: you always advise someone in the accusative.
Ein Anwalt hat ihn in dieser Sache beraten.
A lawyer advised him in this matter.
The verb 'beraten' (to advise) belongs to the word family of 'der Rat' (advice). A person who advises someone is 'der Berater' (male advisor) or 'die Beraterin' (female advisor).
Wir brauchen den Rat eines Experten.
We need the advice of an expert.
If you want to name the topic of the advice, you usually use the prepositions 'zu' + dative or 'über' + accusative.
Er berät Unternehmen zu Nachhaltigkeitsstrategien.
He advises companies on sustainability strategies.
A very common and useful construction is 'sich beraten lassen' (to get advice). It means that you actively seek the advice of an expert.
Vor dem Hauskauf sollte man sich von einem Fachmann beraten lassen.
Before buying a house, you should get advice from a specialist.
The reflexive form 'sich beraten' (to consult) means that a group of people discusses something together in order to make a decision. It is a reciprocal action.
Das Team berät sich gerade über das weitere Vorgehen.
The team is currently consulting about how to proceed.
to recommend
'empfehlen' and 'beraten' both have to do with advice. You use 'empfehlen' when someone says which thing or action they think is good. It is often a specific recommendation. 'beraten' is broader: someone explains options, gives information, and helps with a decision, often with expert knowledge. You can 'beraten' someone and then recommend something in the end. The confusion arises because both occur in decision-making situations. Rule of thumb: 'beraten' is the whole helping process, while 'empfehlen' is often the specific suggestion.
Im Reisebüro berät uns Herr Kaya zu verschiedenen Hotels am Meer.
At the travel agency, Mr. Kaya advises us about different hotels by the sea.
Meine Ärztin empfiehlt mir mehr Bewegung und weniger Stress.
My doctor recommends that I get more exercise and have less stress.