01
bewerfen
to pelt
To throw objects deliberately at a person, animal, or object.
example
Die Kinder bewarfen sich im Park gegenseitig mit Wasserbomben.
The children pelted each other with water balloons in the park.
bewerfen
to pelt / to throw at
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Sentence structure and word structure
'Bewerfen' (to pelt / to throw at) is an inseparable verb that comes from the verb 'werfen' (to throw). The prefix 'be-' changes the sentence structure: the target of the throw becomes the direct accusative object of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Die Demonstranten bewarfen das Gebäude mit Farbbeuteln.
The demonstrators pelted the building with paint bags.
Usage pattern
The verb follows a fixed pattern: someone (subject) pelts someone/something (accusative) with something (dative). The thing being thrown is always used with the preposition 'mit' (with).
EXAMPLE
Im Winter bewerfen wir uns oft mit Schneebällen.
In winter, we often pelt each other with snowballs.
Typical collocations
In the general meaning, 'bewerfen' (to pelt) is often combined with things that are thrown playfully or aggressively, e.g. 'mit Schlamm bewerfen' (to pelt with mud), 'mit Konfetti bewerfen' (to shower/pelt with confetti), or 'mit Kissen bewerfen' (to pelt with pillows).
EXAMPLE
Nach der Hochzeit wurde das Brautpaar mit Reis beworfen.
After the wedding, the bride and groom were showered with rice.
Context clue
The construction meaning is very specific. You can recognize it from words like 'Wand' (wall), 'Mauer' (wall), 'Putz' (plaster), or 'Mörtel' (mortar). In all other cases, the general meaning 'etwas auf jemanden werfen' (to throw something at someone) is meant.
EXAMPLE
Der Handwerker bewarf die Wand gleichmäßig mit dem frischen Putz.
The craftsman coated the wall evenly with the fresh plaster by throwing it on.
Compare with
bewerfen vs werfen
to throw
'werfen' and 'bewerfen' both describe something flying through the air because someone hurls it with their hand. 'werfen' is general: what matters is the object being thrown, or the direction. 'bewerfen', on the other hand, needs a target, usually a person, an animal, or a thing. You pelt someone or something with objects. This often sounds deliberate and sometimes aggressive. Learners may confuse the words because the action is similar. Memory tip: you throw a stone, but you pelt a wall or a person with stones.
bewerfen
Die Kinder bewerfen sich im Winter mit Schneebällen.
In winter, the children pelt each other with snowballs.
werfen
Tom wirft den Schlüssel zu seiner Schwester, weil sie vor der Tür wartet.
Tom throws the key to his sister because she is waiting outside the door.
In real life
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