01
bereit sein
to be ready
To be prepared and willing to do something or for something to happen.
example
Ich bin bereit, wir können losfahren.
I'm ready; we can set off.
bereit
ready
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'bereit' (ready) belongs to the word family of 'bereiten' (to prepare) and 'Vorbereitung' (preparation). All of these words have to do with preparing for an action or event.
EXAMPLE
Nach langer Vorbereitung war die Mannschaft bereit für das Finale.
After a long period of preparation, the team was ready for the final.
Sentence structure and usage
'Bereit' (ready) is almost always used predicatively with the verb 'sein' (to be), meaning after the noun. Using it directly before a noun, for example 'der bereite Läufer', is very rare and sounds unnatural.
EXAMPLE
Die Sportler sind bereit für den Wettkampf.
The athletes are ready for the competition.
Construction with 'zu'
To express what someone is willing to do, you use a construction with 'zu'. Either a noun in the dative follows ('bereit zu einem Kompromiss' — willing to make a compromise), or an infinitive clause follows ('bereit, einen Kompromiss zu machen' — willing to make a compromise).
EXAMPLE
Der Politiker ist zu einem Gespräch mit der Opposition bereit.
The politician is willing to have a conversation with the opposition.
Reflexive verb
In the meaning 'to wait for deployment/action,' the reflexive verb 'sich bereithalten' (to stand by) is used. The reflexive pronoun (sich, mich, dich, etc.) must always be included and match the person.
EXAMPLE
Die Feuerwehr hält sich für mögliche Waldbrände bereit.
The fire department is standing by for possible forest fires.
Compare with
bereit vs klar
clear
'klar' and 'bereit' can both express that someone or something is prepared for an action. 'bereit' is the normal everyday word and also means that someone wants to do something or accepts it. 'klar' in this sense is much more specific and sounds more technical, nautical, or used in fixed situations like 'klar zum Start' (ready for takeoff). Learners may confuse them because both have to do with preparation. In everyday language, 'bereit' is usually more natural.
bereit
Vor dem Termin ist er bereit, die neuen Unterlagen zu unterschreiben.
Before the appointment, he is ready to sign the new documents.
klar
Das Boot ist klar zum Ablegen.
The boat is ready to cast off.
In real life
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