01
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
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Meanings
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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.
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.
Compare with
Beziehung vs Band
ribbon / band
'das Band' and 'die Beziehung' can both describe that people are connected to each other. 'das Band' tends to emphasize a strong feeling of closeness or belonging together. 'die Beziehung' is more neutral and describes the way people relate to each other; it also often means a romantic relationship. The words can be confused because both talk about closeness. But 'Beziehung' is the normal word when talking about partners or about the relationship between people. 'Band' fits better when you want to especially emphasize the emotional bond.
Beziehung
Lisa und Tom führen seit zwei Jahren eine glückliche Beziehung.
Lisa and Tom have been in a happy relationship for two years.
Band
Das gemeinsame Training hat ein starkes Band zwischen den Spielern geschaffen.
Training together created a strong bond between the players.
In real life
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