bevorzugen
to prefer
To like or choose someone or something more than others; to favor.
EXAMPLE
Ich bevorzuge es, mit dem Zug statt mit dem Auto zu reisen.
I prefer to travel by train rather than by car.
bevorzugen
to prefer
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Meanings
bevorzugen
to favor
To treat someone better or more advantageously than others, often in an unfair way.
EXAMPLE
Es ist offensichtlich, dass der Chef seinen ältesten Sohn bevorzugt.
It is obvious that the boss favors his oldest son.
Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Bevorzugen' (to prefer) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'be-' is never separated from the rest of the verb, not even in main clauses or in the past participle.
EXAMPLE
Sie bevorzugt klassische Musik.
She prefers classical music.
Accusative object
The verb 'bevorzugen' (to prefer) is always used with an accusative object. You ask: Whom or what do you prefer?
EXAMPLE
Er bevorzugt seinen alten Computer.
He prefers his old computer.
Sentence structure with infinitive
When you want to express a preferred activity, you often use the structure 'es bevorzugen, etwas zu tun' (to prefer to do something). The 'es' serves as a placeholder for the subordinate clause.
EXAMPLE
Wir bevorzugen es, im Sommer ans Meer zu fahren.
We prefer to go to the seaside in summer.
Context clue
The meaning 'to treat someone unfairly better' is often recognizable from context. It typically appears in situations with authority figures (e.g., teachers, bosses, parents) where fair treatment is expected.
EXAMPLE
Der Lehrer wurde kritisiert, weil er einige Schüler bevorzugte.
The teacher was criticized because he favored some students.
Compare with
bevorzugen vs begünstigen
to favor / facilitate
Both words can express an advantage given to a person or group. bevorzugen emphasizes that someone is treated better or more advantageously than others, while begünstigen focuses more strongly on providing that advantage. bevorzugen fits unequal treatment, while begünstigen is often used for the granting of a specific advantage.
bevorzugen
Die Lehrerin bevorzugte bei der Sitzverteilung einige Schüler.
The teacher favored some students when assigning seats.
begünstigen
Die neue Sitzordnung begünstigte bei der Sitzverteilung einige Schüler.
The new seating arrangement favored some students when assigning seats.
In real life
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