liefern
to deliver
To bring goods, packages, or ordered items to a specific place or person.
EXAMPLE
Der Onlineshop liefert die Ware innerhalb von zwei Werktagen.
The online shop delivers the goods within two business days.
liefern
to deliver / provide
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Meanings
liefern
to provide
To produce or make available something expected or needed, for example results, evidence, or an explanation.
EXAMPLE
Die Studie lieferte den Beweis für seine Theorie.
The study provided the evidence for his theory.
sich etwas liefern
to have
To enter into an intense competition, argument, or fight with someone. Usually in fixed combinations such as 'sich ein Duell/einen Kampf/ein Rennen liefern' (to have a duel/fight/race).
EXAMPLE
Die beiden Kandidaten lieferten sich eine hitzige Debatte im Fernsehen.
The two candidates had a heated debate on television.
Usage tips
Sentence structure with dative
The verb 'liefern' (to deliver/provide) is very often used with two objects: a person in the dative (to whom something is delivered) and a thing in the accusative (what is delivered).
EXAMPLE
Der Lieferservice liefert uns das Essen direkt ins Büro.
The delivery service delivers the food directly to our office.
Context clues
When it is about physical objects (package, pizza), the first meaning is intended. When it is about information (evidence, reasons), the second, abstract meaning is intended. The reflexive form 'sich etwas liefern' always points to a competition.
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei hofft, dass der Zeuge neue Hinweise liefern kann.
The police hope that the witness can provide new clues.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'etwas bringen' (to bring something), 'liefern' (to deliver) is often combined with ordered goods. Typical phrases are 'Waren liefern' (to deliver goods), 'ein Paket liefern' (to deliver a package), or 'Essen nach Hause liefern lassen' (to have food delivered to your home).
EXAMPLE
Wir lassen uns die Getränke für die Party liefern.
We’re having the drinks for the party delivered.
Abstract results
Besides goods, 'liefern' (to provide) can also make abstract things available. Common combinations are 'Beweise liefern' (to provide evidence), 'Argumente liefern' (to provide arguments), 'eine Erklärung liefern' (to provide an explanation), or 'Ergebnisse liefern' (to deliver results).
EXAMPLE
Der Experte lieferte eine plausible Erklärung für das Phänomen.
The expert provided a plausible explanation for the phenomenon.
Reflexive expression
In the expression 'sich etwas liefern', the verb is reflexive with a dative pronoun (sich) and an accusative object. It describes a mutual contest or conflict.
EXAMPLE
Die beiden Teams lieferten sich ein spannendes Spiel.
The two teams had an exciting game.
Compare with
liefern vs bringen
to bring
Bringen and liefern can both refer to transporting goods to a person. Bringen neutrally describes the change of location. Liefern is especially appropriate when a business or service transports ordered goods to the customer as agreed.
liefern
Der Getränkemarkt liefert mir zwei bestellte Getränkekisten nach Hause.
The beverage store delivers two crates of drinks I ordered to my home.
bringen
Meine Nachbarin bringt mir zwei Getränkekisten nach Hause.
My neighbor brings me two crates of drinks home.
In real life
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