library
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library
A public institution where you can borrow books, media, and information or use them on site. A synonym for library.
Ich gehe in die Bücherei, um ein paar Bücher für den Urlaub auszuleihen.
I'm going to the library to borrow a few books for vacation.
library
A private collection of books; a room that contains a large number of books.
Sein Arbeitszimmer ist eine einzige große Bücherei mit seltenen Erstausgaben.
His study is one huge library with rare first editions.
The word 'Bücherei' (library) is derived from 'das Buch' (book). The ending '-erei' often denotes a place where something is made, collected, or sold, as also in 'Bäckerei' (bakery) or 'Metzgerei' (butcher's shop).
Die alte Bücherei im Stadtzentrum hat eine besondere Atmosphäre.
The old library in the city center has a special atmosphere.
With 'Bücherei' (library), the preposition 'in' is important. Movement to the place is expressed with the accusative ('in die Bücherei' — to the library), while being at the place requires the dative ('in der Bücherei' — in/at the library).
Am Nachmittag gehen wir in die Bücherei.
In the afternoon we're going to the library.
In connection with a public library, verbs such as 'ausleihen' (to borrow), 'zurückgeben' (to return), or 'verlängern' (to renew/extend) are often used. For example, you can borrow books, but also other media such as CDs or films.
Ich muss daran denken, die Bücher in der Bücherei rechtzeitig zurückzugeben.
I must remember to return the books to the library on time.
The meaning 'private book collection' can often be recognized from the context. It is frequently used with possessive pronouns, e.g. 'seine Bücherei' (his library), or in the description of a private room.
Mein Großvater ist sehr stolz auf seine private Bücherei.
My grandfather is very proud of his private library.
library
At a public lending facility, Bibliothek and Bücherei can refer to the same thing. Bücherei is usually used for a publicly accessible facility where items can be borrowed; Bibliothek is broader and also fits scholarly institutions or collections that can only be used on site.
Die öffentliche Bücherei verleiht ihre Bücher an alle Einwohner der Stadt.
The public library lends its books to all the city’s residents.
Die wissenschaftliche Bibliothek stellt ihre seltenen Bücher nur zur Nutzung vor Ort bereit.
The research library makes its rare books available for on-site use only.
