01
bescheren
to give
To give someone a gift, traditionally especially at Christmas.
example
Die Großeltern bescheren die Kinder jedes Jahr mit vielen Spielsachen.
The grandparents give the children lots of toys every year.
bescheren
to give / bring
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Bescheren' (to give/bring) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'be-' remains firmly attached to the verb stem in all tenses and sentence constructions.
EXAMPLE
Was hat dir der Weihnachtsmann beschert?
What did Santa Claus bring you?
Sentence structure with dative
This verb almost always requires a person in the dative (the person to whom something is given/brought) and a thing in the accusative (what is given/brought). The structure is: subject + beschert + dative object + accusative object.
EXAMPLE
Der Lottogewinn bescherte ihm ein sorgenfreies Leben.
The lottery win brought him a carefree life.
Context clue
The meaning depends heavily on the context. In connection with Christmas or gifts, it is positive. In other contexts, it is often used ironically for unexpected, usually negative events.
EXAMPLE
Der frühe Wintereinbruch bescherte uns weiße Weihnachten.
The early onset of winter brought us a white Christmas.
Context: Christmas
The positive meaning of 'bescheren' (to give) is very closely connected with Christmas. The noun 'die Bescherung' specifically refers to the moment when gifts are given on Christmas Eve.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder konnten die Bescherung kaum erwarten.
The children could hardly wait for the gift-giving.
Typical collocations
In the negative or unexpected meaning, 'bescheren' (to bring) is often combined with abstract nouns such as 'Probleme' (problems), 'Ärger' (trouble), 'ein Chaos' (chaos), 'eine Niederlage' (a defeat), or 'eine Überraschung' (a surprise).
EXAMPLE
Der Computerabsturz hat mir viel zusätzliche Arbeit beschert.
The computer crash brought me a lot of extra work.
Compare with
bescheren vs bringen
to bring
'bringen' and 'bescheren' can both express that something has a consequence for someone. 'bringen' is neutral and very general: a situation can bring success, problems, or changes. 'bescheren' sounds stronger and often somewhat elevated or figurative. It emphasizes that someone receives or experiences something, often unexpectedly and not always pleasantly. Learners may confuse the words because both describe a consequence. In everyday language, 'bringen' is usually simpler and more natural. 'bescheren' fits when you want to especially emphasize the effect on a person or group.
bescheren
Der Sturm bescherte der Stadt lange Staus und viele Schäden.
The storm brought the city long traffic jams and a lot of damage.
bringen
Die neue Regel bringt vielen Familien mehr Sicherheit.
The new rule brings greater security to many families.
In real life
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