01
das Bett
bed
A piece of furniture used for sleeping or resting.
example
Nach dem langen Tag freue ich mich auf mein Bett.
After the long day, I'm looking forward to my bed.
das Bett
bed
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Movement vs. location
Pay attention to the difference between accusative and dative. Movement toward the bed is expressed with 'ins Bett' (into bed; short for 'in das'), while a state or position in bed is described with 'im Bett' (in bed; short for 'in dem').
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder gehen jeden Abend um acht Uhr ins Bett.
The children go to bed every evening at eight.
Fixed expressions
There are a few fixed expressions with 'Bett' (bed). 'Das Bett machen' means to arrange the blanket and pillows neatly. 'Zu Bett gehen' is a common phrase for 'to go to sleep' or 'to go to bed'.
EXAMPLE
Bitte mach dein Bett, bevor du zur Schule gehst.
Please make your bed before you go to school.
Context clues
You can easily recognize the meanings 'Flussbett' (riverbed) and 'Gartenbeet' (garden bed) from context. If the text mentions a river, water, or drought, it refers to the bottom of a body of water. In the context of a garden, plants, or flowers, it refers to the cultivated area.
EXAMPLE
Der Bach hatte so wenig Wasser, dass man das Bett sehen konnte.
The stream had so little water that you could see the bed.
Compare with
Bett vs Grund
reason / ground
'der Grund' and 'das Bett' can both refer to the bottom part of a body of water. 'der Grund' is more general and can be the bottom of a lake or the sea. In this meaning, 'das Bett' usually refers to the area where a river or stream flows; people often say 'Flussbett' (riverbed). Learners may confuse the words because both occur in connection with water. The important point is: for a lake, you are more likely to use 'Grund'; for a river, 'Bett' or 'Flussbett' is more common.
Bett
Nach dem starken Regen liegt viel Sand im Bett des kleinen Baches.
After the heavy rain, there is a lot of sand in the bed of the small stream.
Grund
Im klaren Wasser kann man den Grund des Sees sehen.
In the clear water, you can see the bottom of the lake.
In real life
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