01
bewachen
to guard
To watch over someone or something in order to provide protection, prevent escape, or stop theft.
example
Zwei Sicherheitsleute bewachen den Eingang des Museums.
Two security guards are guarding the entrance to the museum.
bewachen
to guard
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The verb is made up of the prefix 'be-' and the stem 'wachen' (to keep watch). The prefix makes the verb transitive: you can not only say 'wachen' (intransitive), but also 'etwas bewachen' (to guard something; transitive).
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei bewacht das Gelände rund um die Uhr.
The police guard the grounds around the clock.
Inseparable verb
'Bewachen' (to guard) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'be-' remains firmly attached to the verb in all sentence forms and tenses and is not placed at the end of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Wer hat das Juweliergeschäft in der Nacht bewacht?
Who guarded the jewelry store during the night?
Typical objects
Typical objects that are guarded are places, valuable items, or people. Common combinations are 'ein Gebäude bewachen' (to guard a building), 'einen Schatz bewachen' (to guard a treasure), or 'einen Gefangenen bewachen' (to guard a prisoner).
EXAMPLE
Ein Hund bewacht das Haus, wenn die Familie nicht da ist.
A dog guards the house when the family is not there.
Compare with
bewachen vs schützen
to protect
'schützen' and 'bewachen' both have to do with safety. 'schützen' means to keep someone or something safe from danger, harm, or destruction. This can be active, but it can also happen through rules, clothing, or technology. 'bewachen' means that someone directly watches over a person, place, or thing, often so that nothing is stolen or no one escapes. Learners may confuse the words because guarding is often a kind of protecting. But 'bewachen' emphasizes control and direct supervision, while 'schützen' emphasizes protection from danger.
bewachen
Vor dem Museum bewacht ein Sicherheitsmann den Eingang.
A security guard is guarding the entrance in front of the museum.
schützen
Du solltest dein Passwort gut schützen.
You should protect your password well.
In real life
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