01
die Bühne
stage
The raised platform in a theater or concert hall on which the performers appear.
example
Der Vorhang öffnete sich und die Schauspieler betraten die Bühne.
The curtain opened and the actors stepped onto the stage.
die Bühne
stage
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 04
Usage tips
Place and direction
With the preposition 'auf' (on/onto), 'Bühne' (stage) distinguishes between direction (accusative) and location (dative). You go 'auf die Bühne' (onto the stage), but you stand 'auf der Bühne' (on the stage).
EXAMPLE
Die Band geht gleich auf die Bühne.
The band is about to go on stage.
Word component
'Bühne' (stage) is a common component of compound words that refer to the theater. Examples are 'das Bühnenbild' (stage design), 'die Bühnentechnik' (stage technology), or 'der Bühnenauftritt' (stage appearance).
EXAMPLE
Das Bühnenbild für das neue Stück ist sehr minimalistisch.
The stage design for the new play is very minimalist.
Context clue
When 'Bühne' (stage) means the professional field of theater, it is often used abstractly. Phrases like 'zur Bühne gehen' (to go into the theater as a career) or 'von der Bühne leben' (to make a living from the stage) point to this meaning.
EXAMPLE
Schon als Kind wollte er unbedingt zur Bühne.
Even as a child, he absolutely wanted to go into theater.
Figurative use
In a figurative sense, 'Bühne' (stage/platform) refers to a forum that creates public attention. Typical expressions are 'die politische Bühne' (the political stage) or 'die internationale Bühne' (the international stage).
EXAMPLE
Mit seiner Rede betrat er die politische Bühne.
With his speech, he entered the political stage.
Fixed expression
The colloquial expression 'etwas über die Bühne bringen' (to pull something off) is a fixed idiom. It means to successfully get a task or project done or completed.
EXAMPLE
Die Organisation der Feier war stressig, aber wir haben es gut über die Bühne gebracht.
Organizing the celebration was stressful, but we pulled it off well.
Compare with
Bühne vs Theater
theater
'das Theater' and 'die Bühne' both belong to the world of performances. 'Theater' usually means the building or the art form, so the whole thing. 'Bühne' is the place in the theater where actors, musicians, or dancers perform. The words can be confused because people perform on a stage in a theater. In practical terms: you go to the theater, but you stand on the stage.
Bühne
Die Schauspielerin kommt auf die Bühne, sobald das Licht angeht.
The actress comes onto the stage as soon as the lights go on.
Theater
Am Abend geht er mit seiner Schwester ins Theater.
In the evening, he goes to the theater with his sister.
In real life
Loading video examples...