stock / inventory
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stock / inventory
The existing quantity of goods, materials, or products; the stock on hand or supply.
Der Bestand an diesem Produkt ist niedrig, wir müssen bald nachbestellen.
The stock of this product is low; we need to reorder soon.
The word 'Bestand' (stock / inventory) is closely related to the verb 'bestehen' (to exist) and the noun 'der Stand' (the state/standing). It describes a quantity of things that are present or exist.
Der Bestand an alten Büchern in dieser Bibliothek ist beeindruckend.
The collection of old books in this library is impressive.
To specify what the stock or inventory consists of, the preposition 'an' with the dative plural is very commonly used.
Der Laden hat einen großen Bestand an Winterschuhen.
The store has a large stock of winter shoes.
The fixed expression 'Bestand haben' means 'to continue to exist', 'to last', or 'to remain valid'. It is often used for abstract things such as marriages, friendships, or contracts.
Ihre Freundschaft hat auch über die große Entfernung Bestand.
Their friendship has lasted despite the great distance.
In the context of warehousing and goods, the verbs 'den Bestand prüfen' (to check the stock), 'den Bestand erfassen' (to record the inventory), or 'den Bestand auffüllen' (to replenish the stock) are often used.
Wir müssen dringend den Bestand im Lager prüfen.
We urgently need to check the inventory in the warehouse.
In this meaning, 'Bestand' (population) is almost always used in connection with biology, ecology, or forestry to describe populations of animals or plants.
Der Fischbestand im See hat sich gut erholt.
The fish population in the lake has recovered well.
population
'die Bevölkerung' and 'der Bestand' can both mean a group of living beings in an area. However, 'Bevölkerung' is used for people who live in a city, region, or country. 'Bestand' is more suitable for animals or plants when describing their number in an area. Learners may confuse the words because both refer to something countable in an area. For people, you normally say 'Bevölkerung'; for animals, for example, 'Tierbestand' (animal population).
Der Bestand der Wölfe im Wald wird jedes Jahr gezählt.
The wolf population in the forest is counted every year.
Die Bevölkerung der Stadt wächst seit einigen Jahren.
The population of the city has been growing for several years.