der Bezug
cover
A removable fabric covering for duvets, pillows, or upholstered furniture.
EXAMPLE
Ich muss am Wochenende den Bezug der Bettdecke waschen.
I need to wash the duvet cover this weekend.
der Bezug
cover / reference
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Meanings
der Bezug
connection
A connection, link, or relationship between different things, people, or circumstances.
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei konnte keinen Bezug zwischen den beiden Taten herstellen.
The police could not establish any connection between the two crimes.
Bezug nehmen auf
to refer to
To refer in a statement or letter to something that has already been said, written, or happened.
EXAMPLE
Ich nehme Bezug auf Ihr Schreiben vom 15. Mai.
I refer to your letter of May 15.
der Bezug
subscription
The regular receipt of a product or service, usually for payment, as with a newspaper or magazine.
EXAMPLE
Der Bezug des Fachmagazins ist im Mitgliedsbeitrag enthalten.
The subscription to the specialist magazine is included in the membership fee.
in Bezug auf
with regard to
A prepositional phrase meaning 'with regard to' or 'concerning' that introduces a topic.
EXAMPLE
In Bezug auf Ihre Anfrage müssen wir Ihnen leider mitteilen, dass die Stelle bereits besetzt ist.
With regard to your inquiry, we unfortunately have to inform you that the position has already been filled.
Usage tips
Connection to the verb
'Der Bezug' is the noun related to the verb 'beziehen'. Many meanings become clearer if you think of the verb: 'ein Bett beziehen' (to put a cover on a bed → der Bettbezug, the duvet/bed cover), 'eine Zeitung beziehen' (to subscribe to a newspaper → der Zeitungsbezug, the newspaper subscription), 'sich auf etwas beziehen' (to refer to something → der Bezug auf etwas, the reference to something).
EXAMPLE
Er bezieht sich in seiner Rede auf eine aktuelle Studie.
In his speech, he refers to a recent study.
Context clues
You can recognize the meaning of 'Bezug' from the context. If it is about textiles for furniture or beds, it means a cover (m01). If it is about abstract relationships, it means a connection (m02). If it is about newspapers or subscriptions, it means regular receipt (m04).
EXAMPLE
Ich habe keinen persönlichen Bezug zu diesem Thema.
I have no personal connection to this topic.
Fixed expression
The phrase 'Bezug nehmen auf' (to refer to) is a formal fixed expression often used in business letters or emails. It introduces a reference to something previous and requires the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Ich nehme Bezug auf unser Telefongespräch von letzter Woche.
I refer to our phone conversation from last week.
Prepositional phrase
The expression 'in Bezug auf' (with regard to) functions like a single preposition meaning 'hinsichtlich' or 'bezüglich' (with regard to / concerning). It introduces a topic and takes the accusative. It is typical of formal written language.
EXAMPLE
In Bezug auf Ihre Bewerbung haben wir noch einige Fragen.
With regard to your application, we still have a few questions.
Typical collocations
When 'Bezug' means a fabric cover, it is often used in compound words such as 'Bettbezug' (duvet/bed cover) or 'Kissenbezug' (pillowcase). Typical verbs are 'aufziehen' (to put on), 'wechseln' (to change), or 'waschen' (to wash).
EXAMPLE
Könntest du mir helfen, den neuen Bezug auf die Decke aufzuziehen?
Could you help me put the new cover on the duvet?
Correct preposition
To express a connection, 'Bezug' is often used with the preposition 'zu' (+ dative) or 'zwischen' (+ dative).
EXAMPLE
Der Film hat einen starken Bezug zur aktuellen politischen Lage.
The film has a strong connection to the current political situation.
Compare with
Bezug vs Verbindung
connection / association
Bezug refers to a thematic connection with a topic. Verbindung is broader and is especially suitable in the phrase „in Verbindung mit“ when things are considered together or in combination. For the thematic relevance of a statement, Bezug is therefore usually more precise.
Bezug
Die Aussage hat einen klaren Bezug zur aktuellen Debatte.
The statement has a clear connection to the current debate.
Verbindung
Die Aussage ist nur in Verbindung mit der aktuellen Debatte verständlich.
The statement can only be understood in connection with the current debate.
In real life
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