01
bieten
to offer
To make something available to someone, present it for acceptance, or make it possible.
example
Dieses Hotel bietet einen tollen Blick auf das Meer.
This hotel offers a great view of the sea.
bieten
to offer / to bid
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Dative and accusative
In the meaning 'zur Verfügung stellen' (to make available), 'bieten' (to offer) is often used with two objects: a person in the dative and a thing in the accusative. The structure is: jemandem etwas bieten (to offer someone something).
EXAMPLE
Die Firma bietet ihren Mitarbeitern flexible Arbeitszeiten.
The company offers its employees flexible working hours.
Use at auctions
When 'bieten' (to bid) is used in the context of an auction, it often appears with an amount of money and the preposition 'für' (for) plus accusative. You bid a price for a thing.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe 100 Euro für die alte Vase geboten.
I bid 100 euros for the old vase.
Reflexive for opportunities
The reflexive form 'sich bieten' means that an opportunity arises. The subject of the sentence is the opportunity itself, not the person. The person for whom the opportunity arises can be in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Mir bot sich die einmalige Chance, ein Jahr in Japan zu arbeiten.
The unique chance to work in Japan for a year arose for me.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'sich etwas nicht bieten lassen' expresses that you do not accept bad treatment. The person who does not tolerate something is in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Diese Frechheit lasse ich mir von dir nicht bieten!
I won't put up with this cheek from you!
Compare with
bieten vs geben
to give
'geben' and 'bieten' can both mean that someone makes something available for others. 'geben' is more direct: a person gives advice, information, or an opportunity, for example. 'bieten' often sounds somewhat more official or planned. It fits well with companies, courses, events, or offers that make something possible for others. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with help, opportunities, or services. Remember: 'geben' is often a direct action, while 'bieten' describes more of an offer or service.
bieten
Vor der Reise bietet die Firma einen kurzen Sprachkurs für alle Mitarbeiter an.
Before the trip, the company offers a short language course for all employees.
geben
Wir geben den Kunden morgen genaue Informationen zum Antrag.
We will give the customers precise information about the application tomorrow.
In real life
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