01
bestechen
to bribe
To offer someone money or other advantages in order to get them to do something illegal or dishonest.
example
Er versuchte, den Beamten mit 100 Euro zu bestechen.
He tried to bribe the official with 100 euros.
bestechen
to bribe / impress
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Inseparable verb
The verb 'bestechen' (to bribe/impress) is inseparable. The prefix 'be-' remains firmly attached to the stem 'stechen' in all sentence forms and is not separated.
EXAMPLE
Man wirft ihm vor, dass er den Zeugen bestochen hat.
He is accused of having bribed the witness.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about an illegal act involving money or advantages, the negative meaning 'bestechen' (to bribe) is meant. If it is about positive qualities and the preposition 'durch', the positive meaning 'beeindrucken' (to impress) is meant.
EXAMPLE
Der Politiker bestreitet, den Journalisten bestochen zu haben.
The politician denies having bribed the journalist.
Sentence structure
In the meaning 'jemanden bestechen' (to bribe someone), the person being bribed is always in the accusative. The advantage used for the bribe is often introduced with the preposition 'mit' (with).
EXAMPLE
Der Angeklagte hat versucht, den Richter mit einer hohen Geldsumme zu bestechen.
The defendant tried to bribe the judge with a large sum of money.
Fixed preposition
In the positive meaning, 'bestechen' (to impress) is almost always used with the preposition 'durch' (through/with), followed by the quality that impresses. The thing or person that impresses is the subject of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Die Sängerin besticht durch ihre einzigartige Stimme.
The singer impresses with her unique voice.
Compare with
bestechen vs kaufen
to buy
'kaufen' and 'bestechen' can both mean that someone receives money or advantages so that they do something dishonest or illegal. 'bestechen' is the clear and normal word for this action. 'jemanden kaufen' is more figurative and emphasizes that the person can be controlled through money. In many situations, both can be understood, but 'bestechen' is more precise, especially in news, police, or legal language.
bestechen
Vor dem Termin will sie niemanden bestechen, sondern die Entscheidung ehrlich abwarten.
Before the appointment, she does not want to bribe anyone, but to wait for the decision honestly.
kaufen
Die Firma hat versucht, einen Beamten mit teuren Geschenken zu kaufen.
The company tried to buy off an official with expensive gifts.
In real life
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