01
dienen als
to serve as
To fulfill a particular purpose or function as something specific.
example
Dieser Raum dient uns als provisorisches Büro.
This room serves us as a temporary office.
dienen
to serve
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 04
Usage tips
Always with dative
The verb 'dienen' (to serve) is always used with the dative. The person or thing that one serves, or for which something is useful, is in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Der Hund dient seinem Herrn als treuer Begleiter.
The dog serves his master as a loyal companion.
Word family
The verb 'dienen' (to serve) is the root of many other words related to service or duty. Examples are 'der Dienst' (service/duty), 'der Diener' (servant), or 'die Bedienung' (service/waiter/waitress).
EXAMPLE
Der Kundendienst war sehr hilfreich.
Customer service was very helpful.
Fixed structure with 'als'
When 'dienen' (to serve) has the meaning 'to function as', it is always followed by the preposition 'als' with a noun in the nominative. The structure is: subject + dienen + (dative) + als + noun.
EXAMPLE
Die alte Kiste dient mir als Tisch.
The old crate serves me as a table.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'to be useful', 'dienen' (to serve) is often combined with abstract nouns in the dative. Typical phrases are 'einem Zweck dienen' (to serve a purpose), 'der Sicherheit dienen' (to serve safety), or 'als Vorbild dienen' (to serve as a role model).
EXAMPLE
Regelmäßiger Sport dient der Gesundheit.
Regular exercise benefits health.
Military context
In a military context, 'dienen' (to serve) is often used with prepositions like 'bei' or 'in' to describe the place or unit. You can also add 'als' to name the role.
EXAMPLE
Er hat drei Jahre bei der Luftwaffe gedient.
He served in the air force for three years.
Compare with
dienen vs arbeiten
to work
'arbeiten' and 'dienen' can both have to do with someone doing something for others. 'arbeiten' is very general and neutral: you have a job or carry out a task. 'dienen' means either that you help and obey someone in a subordinate role, or that something is useful. For that reason, 'dienen' often sounds more formal or more specific than 'arbeiten'. If you are simply talking about a job or an activity, 'arbeiten' is natural. If the purpose, benefit, or helping someone is important, 'dienen' can fit.
dienen
Diese Notizen dienen mir als Hilfe für die Prüfung.
These notes serve as a help for me for the exam.
arbeiten
Meine Schwester arbeitet seit zwei Jahren in einer Bäckerei.
My sister has been working in a bakery for two years.
In real life
Loading video examples...