01
der Gastgeber
host
A person who has invited guests to their home and takes care of their food, drink, and well-being.
example
Der Gastgeber begrüßte jeden Gast persönlich an der Tür.
The host greeted each guest personally at the door.
der Gastgeber
host
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word composition
The word is made up of 'Gast' (guest) and 'geben' (to give). A 'Gastgeber' (host) is therefore literally someone who gives something to their guests, for example food, drink, and accommodation.
EXAMPLE
Ein guter Gastgeber sorgt dafür, dass sich seine Gäste wohlfühlen.
A good host makes sure that their guests feel comfortable.
Typical collocations
Common phrases are 'ein guter/schlechter Gastgeber sein' (to be a good/bad host), 'die Rolle des Gastgebers übernehmen' (to take on the role of host), and 'sich bei den Gastgebern bedanken' (to thank the hosts).
EXAMPLE
Wir möchten uns bei euch für den schönen Abend bedanken, ihr wart tolle Gastgeber.
We would like to thank you for the lovely evening; you were wonderful hosts.
Context clue
You can recognize this meaning from the context of large, organized events. The words 'Gastgeberland' (host country) or 'Gastgeberstadt' (host city) are often used here as well.
EXAMPLE
Paris ist der Gastgeber der nächsten Olympischen Spiele.
Paris is the host of the next Olympic Games.
Register: technical language
In the biological or medical meaning, 'Gastgeber' (host) is a technical term. You can recognize it from words such as 'Virus' (virus), 'Parasit' (parasite), 'Organismus' (organism), or 'Wirt' (host) in the same context.
EXAMPLE
Die Fledermaus gilt als möglicher Gastgeber des Virus.
The bat is considered a possible host of the virus.
Compare with
Gastgeber vs Gast
guest
'der Gast' and 'der Gastgeber' belong to the same situation, but they have opposite roles. The guest is the person who is invited or comes to visit. The host is the person who invites others and takes care of the guests. Learners can easily confuse the words because they sound similar and both appear in the context of visits or celebrations. Remember: the host gives the invitation, and the guest accepts it.
Gastgeber
Für das Sommerfest ist Ali der Gastgeber und begrüßt alle an der Tür.
For the summer party, Ali is the host and greets everyone at the door.
Gast
Frau Neumann war gestern als Gast bei einer kleinen Feier.
Yesterday, Ms. Neumann was a guest at a small celebration.
In real life
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