to discuss / review
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discuss
To talk about a topic or problem with one or more people in order to clarify it or make a decision.
Wir müssen die Details des Projekts morgen im Team besprechen.
We need to discuss the details of the project with the team tomorrow.
'Besprechen' is an inseparable verb because it has the prefix 'be-'. The prefix remains directly attached to the verb 'sprechen' (to speak) in all tenses and sentence types.
Sie hat das Thema mit ihrer Chefin besprochen.
She discussed the topic with her boss.
A typical mistake is using a preposition like 'über' (about). The verb 'besprechen' (to discuss), however, does not need a preposition and is used directly with an accusative object.
Wir besprechen den Plan morgen.
We will discuss the plan tomorrow.
The meaning is usually clear: If it is about a topic or problem, it means 'to discuss'. If the object is a book or film, it means 'to review'. If an answering machine is mentioned, it means 'to record a message'.
Lass uns das nach der Mittagspause besprechen.
Let's discuss that after the lunch break.
In the meaning 'to discuss', 'besprechen' is often combined with words such as 'ein Thema' (a topic), 'einen Plan' (a plan), 'die Details' (the details), or 'die nächsten Schritte' (the next steps).
Die Manager besprachen die neue Strategie für das kommende Jahr.
The managers discussed the new strategy for the coming year.
In the context of reviews, 'besprechen' is very often used in the passive to describe how a work was received by critics.
Das Buch wird gerade in allen wichtigen Feuilletons besprochen.
The book is currently being reviewed in all the major arts sections.
to talk
'reden' and 'besprechen' can both mean talking with others about a topic. 'reden' is more general and can be casual or without a clear goal. 'besprechen' is used more when you want to clarify, plan, or decide on a topic together. It often sounds more matter-of-fact and fits well in work, school, or organizational contexts. Learners may confuse the words because both describe a conversation. Practically speaking: you can 'reden' about many things, but you 'besprechen' especially tasks, problems, or plans.
Am Morgen bespricht er mit der Nachbarin die Reparatur im Hausflur.
In the morning, he discusses the repair in the hallway with the neighbor.
Die Klasse redet in der Pause über den Ausflug.
The class talks about the trip during the break.