01
beseitigen
to remove
To remove or clear away something that is disruptive, unwanted, or harmful.
example
Die Feuerwehr beseitigte den umgestürzten Baum von der Straße.
The fire department removed the fallen tree from the road.
beseitigen
to remove / eliminate
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Beseitigen' (to remove/eliminate) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'be-' always stays connected to the stem 'seitigen', even in a main clause.
EXAMPLE
Die Stadt beseitigt die Sturmschäden so schnell wie möglich.
The city is removing the storm damage as quickly as possible.
Word structure
The word can be understood as 'to move aside'. It expresses the idea of clearing away or removing something disruptive.
EXAMPLE
Bitte beseitige das Chaos in deinem Zimmer, bevor die Gäste kommen.
Please clear up the mess in your room before the guests arrive.
Typical collocations
In its concrete meaning, 'beseitigen' (to remove) is often combined with things that are physically disruptive or unwanted. Examples are: 'Müll beseitigen' (to remove trash), 'einen Fleck beseitigen' (to remove a stain), or 'ein Hindernis beseitigen' (to remove an obstacle).
EXAMPLE
Wie kann ich diesen Rotweinfleck am besten beseitigen?
What is the best way for me to remove this red wine stain?
Abstract problems
This meaning refers to non-material things. Typical objects here are 'Zweifel beseitigen' (to eliminate doubts), 'ein Missverständnis beseitigen' (to clear up a misunderstanding), or 'einen Mangel beseitigen' (to remedy a deficiency).
EXAMPLE
Ich hoffe, dieses Gespräch beseitigt alle Unklarheiten.
I hope this conversation clears up all uncertainties.
Register and context
In the meaning 'töten' (to kill), 'beseitigen' (to eliminate) is a euphemism, meaning a softened or glossed-over expression. It is mostly used in contexts of crime, espionage, or dictatorships and has a very negative, serious connotation.
EXAMPLE
Der Agent erhielt den Auftrag, den Verräter zu beseitigen.
The agent received the assignment to eliminate the traitor.
Compare with
beseitigen vs entfernen
to remove
'entfernen' and 'beseitigen' both mean that something is taken away or removed. 'entfernen' is more neutral and works well when you take something away from a place, for example a stain, a sign, or a file. 'beseitigen' is used more when something is disruptive, dangerous, or represents a problem. It can also fit with abstract things, for example a misunderstanding or a deficiency. If it is only about taking something away from a place, 'entfernen' often sounds more natural. If the goal is to get rid of a problem, 'beseitigen' is more precise.
beseitigen
Julian beseitigt den Fehler in der Aufgabe.
Julian fixes the error in the exercise.
entfernen
Am Morgen entfernt meine Kollegin die alten Zettel von der Tür.
In the morning, my colleague removes the old notes from the door.
In real life
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