bewältigen
to overcome
To successfully master or overcome a difficult task, problem, or challenge.
EXAMPLE
Sie musste in ihrem neuen Job viele Schwierigkeiten bewältigen.
She had to overcome many difficulties in her new job.
bewältigen
to overcome
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Meanings
Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Bewältigen' (to overcome) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'be-' always stays at the beginning of the verb, even in main clauses and in the past participle ('bewältigt').
EXAMPLE
Er hat die schwierige Prüfung erfolgreich bewältigt.
He successfully overcame the difficult exam.
Sentence structure with accusative
'Bewältigen' (to overcome) always needs an accusative object. This object is the challenge or problem that one masters. You ask: Whom or what does someone overcome?
EXAMPLE
Die Feuerwehrleute bewältigten den gefährlichen Einsatz.
The firefighters overcame the dangerous operation.
Typical collocations
You always 'bewältigt' (overcome/manage) something big, difficult, or negative. Typical objects are 'eine Aufgabe' (a task), 'eine Krise' (a crisis), 'ein Problem' (a problem), 'die Vergangenheit' (the past), or a large amount of something, e.g. 'die Arbeit' (the work).
EXAMPLE
Nach der Flut mussten die Bewohner viele Probleme bewältigen.
After the flood, the residents had to overcome many problems.
Compare with
bestehenschaffenleistenlösenerledigenumgehenüberwindenverarbeitennachkommenüberstehenmeisternverkraftenvollbringenstemmenbezwingenbewerkstelligenmanagen
bewältigen vs bestehen
to pass / consist / exist
Bestehen and bewältigen can both express success in a challenge. Bestehen is particularly suited to an exam or test of one's abilities with clear requirements, while bewältigen emphasizes that someone successfully mastered a difficult task or burden.
bewältigen
Lena hat die schwierige praktische Aufgabe trotz Zeitdruck bewältigt.
Lena managed the difficult practical task despite the time pressure.
bestehen
Lena hat die schwierige praktische Prüfung bestanden.
Lena passed the difficult practical exam.
In real life
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