01
bestücken
to stock
To equip or supply something with the intended or necessary parts, objects, or goods.
example
Der Mitarbeiter muss das Regal mit den neuen Produkten bestücken.
The employee has to stock the shelf with the new products.
bestücken
to stock / to populate
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The verb is made up of the prefix 'be-' and the noun 'Stück' (piece). The prefix 'be-' often means to provide something with something. So 'bestücken' (to stock/equip) literally means to equip something with pieces or parts.
EXAMPLE
Die Freiwilligen bestücken die Essenspakete für die Bedürftigen.
The volunteers stock the food packages for people in need.
Sentence structure with 'mit'
'Bestücken' is always used with a fixed structure: you stock something (accusative) with something (dative). The accusative object is what is being filled or supplied, and the 'mit' phrase describes what goes into it.
EXAMPLE
Der Juwelier bestückt das Schaufenster mit neuen Uhren.
The jeweler stocks the shop window with new watches.
Typical objects
In the general meaning, the objects that are stocked are often containers, displays, or surfaces. Typical examples are: 'ein Regal bestücken' (to stock a shelf), 'ein Buffet bestücken' (to stock/set up a buffet), 'einen Verkaufsautomaten bestücken' (to stock a vending machine), or 'eine Ausstellung bestücken' (to equip an exhibition).
EXAMPLE
Der Koch bestückt das Buffet mit frischen Salaten und warmen Speisen.
The cook stocks the buffet with fresh salads and hot dishes.
Technical language: electronics
This meaning belongs to the technical language of electronics manufacturing. It is used when talking about 'Platinen' (printed circuit boards), 'Leiterplatten' (circuit boards), and 'elektronische Bauteile' (electronic components).
EXAMPLE
Diese Maschine kann eine Leiterplatte in wenigen Sekunden vollautomatisch bestücken.
This machine can fully automatically populate a circuit board in just a few seconds.
Compare with
bestücken vs versehen
to provide / to be mistaken
'versehen' and 'bestücken' can both mean that something is equipped or supplied with something else. 'versehen mit' is more general and fits many things, for example a document, a sign, or a person. 'bestücken' sounds more concrete: you fill or equip something with intended parts, goods, or objects, for example a shelf, a machine, or a suitcase. If you only want to say that something is given a certain feature or accessory, 'versehen mit' is often more natural. If it is about inserting or filling something with suitable parts, 'bestücken' fits better.
bestücken
Vor dem Ausflug bestückt meine Schwester den Erste-Hilfe-Kasten mit Pflastern und Verbänden.
Before the trip, my sister stocks the first-aid kit with bandages and dressings.
versehen
In der Schule versieht die Mitarbeiterin die Türen zur Sicherheit mit neuen Schildern.
At school, the employee puts new signs on the doors for safety.
In real life
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