die Beziehung
relationship
A romantic and often committed partnership between two people.
EXAMPLE
Nach fünf Jahren endete ihre Beziehung.
After five years, their relationship ended.
die Beziehung
relationship / connection
die Beziehung, die Beziehungen
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Meanings
die Beziehung
relationship / connection
A general relationship or connection between people, groups, things, or circumstances.
EXAMPLE
Es gibt eine enge Beziehung zwischen der Wirtschaft und der Politik eines Landes.
There is a close relationship between a country's economy and its politics.
Beziehungen haben
to have connections
In the expression 'Beziehungen haben' (to have connections): to have useful contacts with influential people that one can use to one's own advantage.
EXAMPLE
Er hat den Job nur bekommen, weil sein Vater gute Beziehungen hat.
He only got the job because his father has good connections.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Beziehung, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Beziehungen |
| genitive | der Beziehung |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Beziehung | die Beziehungen |
| accusative | die Beziehung | die Beziehungen |
| dative | der Beziehung | den Beziehungen |
| genitive | der Beziehung | der Beziehungen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word family
'Beziehung' (relationship / connection) is derived from the verb 'sich beziehen auf' (to refer to). It describes how two or more things, people, or ideas are connected to one another or relate to one another.
EXAMPLE
Ich verstehe die Beziehung zwischen diesen beiden Ereignissen nicht.
I don't understand the relationship between these two events.
Correct preposition
The connection to a person or thing is expressed with 'zu' (+ dative). The connection between two or more elements is described with 'zwischen' (+ dative).
EXAMPLE
Er hat eine sehr gute Beziehung zu seinen Eltern.
He has a very good relationship with his parents.
Die Beziehung zwischen den beiden Ländern hat sich verbessert.
The relationship between the two countries has improved.
Meaning in the plural
In the plural, 'Beziehungen' (connections) can have a special meaning: useful contacts with influential people. The expression 'Beziehungen haben' (to have connections) means that you gain advantages through personal contacts.
EXAMPLE
Er hat die Stelle nur durch seine Beziehungen bekommen.
He only got the position through his connections.
Typical verbs
When referring to a romantic partnership, 'Beziehung' (relationship) is often used with verbs such as 'anfangen' (to start), 'eingehen' (to enter into), 'führen' (to have/maintain), or 'beenden' (to end).
EXAMPLE
Sie haben beschlossen, ihre Beziehung zu beenden.
They decided to end their relationship.
Er ist noch nicht bereit, eine neue Beziehung einzugehen.
He is not yet ready to enter into a new relationship.
Compare with
BandVerbindungEheZusammenhangKontaktBezugVerhältnisUmgangFreundschaftHinsichtAffärePartnerschaftBindungRelationVerwandtschaftAffaireLiebesbeziehungRapport
Beziehung vs Band
ribbon / band
Das Band figuratively emphasizes the close emotional connection between people. Die Beziehung refers more generally to the relationship itself and can also mean a romantic partnership, depending on the context. Band is suitable for the closeness that connects people, while Beziehung is more appropriate for the type of relationship.
Beziehung
Nach vielen gemeinsamen Erlebnissen führen Lena und Tom nun eine feste Beziehung.
After sharing many experiences, Lena and Tom are now in a committed relationship.
Band
Die gemeinsamen Erlebnisse haben ein enges Band zwischen Lena und Tom geschaffen.
Their experiences together created a close bond between Lena and Tom.
In real life
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