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 decken
to cover / to set
Both words can express protection against an attack or an unwanted action. „Decken“ is especially used in sports for tactically marking an opponent, while „bewachen“ emphasizes watching over and securing something continuously. „Decken“ is usually appropriate in a game situation, while „bewachen“ is more suitable when someone is standing guard.
bewachen
Der Sicherheitsmann bewacht den gefährlichen Eingang während des ganzen Spiels.
The security guard watches over the dangerous entrance throughout the game.
decken
Der Verteidiger deckt den gefährlichen Stürmer während des ganzen Spiels.
The defender marks the dangerous striker throughout the game.
In real life
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