to refer / move into / receive
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to refer to
To refer to something, establish a connection to something, or rely on something as a basis or reference.
Meine Frage bezieht sich auf den letzten Punkt Ihrer Präsentation.
My question refers to the last point of your presentation.
'Beziehen' is an inseparable verb that comes from the base verb 'ziehen' (to pull, move). The prefix 'be-' directs the action toward an object. This basic idea of 'pulling' appears in many meanings: you 'pull in' a reference, 'move into' an apartment, or 'pull' a cover over a bed.
Nach dem Umzug müssen wir noch die neuen Möbel aufbauen.
After the move, we still have to assemble the new furniture.
This meaning only works in the reflexive construction 'sich auf etwas beziehen' (to refer to something). The preposition 'auf' is fixed and always takes the accusative. This expression is especially common in formal and written contexts.
Ich beziehe mich auf unser Telefongespräch von letzter Woche.
I am referring to our phone conversation from last week.
In the meaning 'einziehen' (to move in), the objects are almost always places where people live or work. You can say 'eine Wohnung beziehen' (to move into an apartment), 'ein Haus beziehen' (to move into a house), or 'neue Büroräume beziehen' (to move into new office space).
Die Firma wird im Sommer ihren neuen Hauptsitz beziehen.
The company will move into its new headquarters in the summer.
When 'beziehen' means 'erhalten' (to receive), it usually refers to regular payments or deliveries. Typical objects are 'Gehalt' (salary), 'Rente' (pension), 'Sozialhilfe' (social welfare), or a subscribed 'Zeitung' (newspaper).
Mein Großvater bezieht seit fünf Jahren Rente.
My grandfather has been receiving a pension for five years.
A very common everyday use is 'das Bett beziehen', which means to put on fresh bedding (sheets, covers). The object here is always 'das Bett' (the bed).
Am Wochenende muss ich unbedingt die Betten neu beziehen.
At the weekend I absolutely have to change the sheets on the beds.
In this reflexive form, 'sich beziehen' is used almost exclusively for the weather. The subject is always 'der Himmel' (the sky).
Schau mal, der Himmel bezieht sich. Es gibt wohl bald Regen.
Look, the sky is clouding over. It will probably rain soon.
to get / receive
'bekommen' and 'beziehen' can both mean that someone receives something. 'bekommen' is the normal, general word and fits many situations: gifts, letters, information, or help. 'beziehen' is used more when you receive something regularly or from a particular source, for example a salary, pension, electricity, or a newspaper. It often sounds a bit more formal. In everyday language, 'bekommen' is usually more natural; 'beziehen' is more precise when it is about regular benefits, services, or supply.
Viele Menschen beziehen ihre Zeitung heute nur noch digital.
Many people now receive their newspaper only digitally.
Ich bekomme morgen einen Brief von der Versicherung.
I will get a letter from the insurance company tomorrow.