to cause / prepare
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to cause
To cause or bring about a feeling, state, or situation. Often used in fixed combinations such as 'Freude bereiten' (to bring joy), 'Sorgen bereiten' (to cause worry), or 'Schwierigkeiten bereiten' (to cause difficulties).
Sein unerwarteter Besuch hat uns große Freude bereitet.
His unexpected visit brought us great joy.
to prepare
To prepare or make something, especially a meal. This meaning is more formal or elevated than the more common word 'zubereiten' (to prepare).
Der Koch bereitet die Speisen mit großer Sorgfalt.
The chef prepares the dishes with great care.
The verb 'bereiten' (to cause / prepare) is closely related to the adjective 'bereit' (ready). So the basic meaning is to make something 'ready' or to bring it into a certain state.
Die Überraschungsparty hat ihm viel Freude bereitet.
The surprise party brought him a lot of joy.
When 'bereiten' (to cause) causes a feeling, the person who has the feeling is always in the dative. The feeling itself is the accusative object.
Deine ständigen Verspätungen bereiten mir Sorgen.
Your constant lateness is causing me worry.
This meaning is almost always used in fixed combinations. Typical ones are: 'Freude bereiten' (to bring joy), 'Sorgen bereiten' (to cause worry), 'Schwierigkeiten bereiten' (to cause difficulties), or 'Probleme bereiten' (to cause problems).
Die neue Software bereitet vielen Nutzern noch Probleme.
The new software is still causing many users problems.
In the meaning of 'eine Mahlzeit herstellen' (to prepare a meal), 'bereiten' is rather formal or literary. In everyday language, 'zubereiten' (to prepare) or 'kochen' (to cook) is usually used instead.
In diesem Restaurant werden alle Speisen frisch bereitet.
In this restaurant, all dishes are prepared fresh.
to do / make
Both words can express that something causes a person to feel a certain way. „Sorgen machen“ is the usual, direct everyday phrasing; „Sorgen bereiten“ is a fixed and somewhat more elevated expression. „Machen“ is usually used in conversation, while „bereiten“ may fit better in a more factual statement.
Die lange Reise bereitet ihren Eltern Sorgen.
The long journey causes her parents concern.
Die lange Reise macht ihren Eltern Sorgen.
The long journey worries her parents.
