01
betragen
to amount to
To make up a specific sum, value, or number.
example
Die Kosten für die Reparatur betragen 250 Euro.
The cost of the repair amounts to 250 euros.
betragen
to amount to / to behave
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Betragen' (to amount to / to behave) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'be-' stays firmly attached to the verb stem 'tragen' in all tenses and sentence positions.
EXAMPLE
Die Rechnung betrug mehr als erwartet.
The bill amounted to more than expected.
Context clue
The two meanings are easy to distinguish: without the reflexive pronoun 'sich', it is about a number or value. With 'sich', it is always about a person's behavior.
EXAMPLE
Der Schaden beträgt 500 Euro.
The damage amounts to 500 euros.
Sentence structure and usage
In this meaning, the subject of the sentence is always an impersonal quantity such as 'die Kosten' (the costs), 'der Preis' (the price), 'die Summe' (the sum), 'die Distanz' (the distance), or 'die Temperatur' (the temperature).
EXAMPLE
Die Entfernung zum nächsten Bahnhof beträgt zwei Kilometer.
The distance to the nearest train station is two kilometers.
Always reflexive
In the meaning 'sich verhalten' (to behave), the verb must always be used with a reflexive pronoun in the accusative. The behavior is often described more precisely with an adverb.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder haben sich im Museum vorbildlich betragen.
The children behaved exemplaryly in the museum.
Compare with
betragen vs machen
to do / make
'machen' and 'betragen' can both express how much something comes to in total or what value something has. Here, 'machen' sounds simpler and more colloquial, especially in calculations: 'Zwei plus drei macht fünf.' (Two plus three makes five.) 'betragen' is more precise and factual. It is often used with prices, costs, distances, numbers, or official information. The words can be confused because both can be used with numbers. A practical rule is: in casual calculations, 'machen' fits; in reports, invoices, or formal information, 'betragen' sounds more natural.
betragen
Die Kosten für die Reparatur betragen 180 Euro.
The cost of the repair amounts to 180 euros.
machen
Drei Euro und zwei Euro machen zusammen fünf Euro.
Three euros and two euros make five euros altogether.
In real life
Loading video examples...