unterbringen
to accommodate
To provide someone with accommodation or a place to sleep.
EXAMPLE
Wir können unsere Gäste für eine Nacht im Gästezimmer unterbringen.
We can accommodate our guests in the guest room for one night.
unterbringen
to accommodate / fit
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Meanings
unterbringen
to fit / store
To place or store something in a particular location, often because space is limited.
EXAMPLE
Ich weiß nicht, wie wir all das Gepäck im Auto unterbringen sollen.
I don't know how we're supposed to fit all the luggage in the car.
unterbringen
to place
To help someone find a job or a position in an organization.
EXAMPLE
Er hat seinen Neffen erfolgreich in der Marketingabteilung unterbringen können.
He was able to successfully place his nephew in the marketing department.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Unterbringen' (to accommodate / fit) is a separable verb. The prefix 'unter' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Er bringt seine Sachen im Schrank unter.
He puts his things away in the closet.
Word structure
The verb is made up of 'unter' and 'bringen' (to bring). The literal idea is to bring something or someone to a place, that is, to find a place for them or it.
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen noch einen Platz finden, um die neuen Stühle unterzubringen.
We still need to find a place to store the new chairs.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the object: if it refers to people, it is about accommodation (m01) or a job (m03). If it refers to objects, it is about storing or fitting something in (m02).
EXAMPLE
Können wir die Gäste für eine Nacht bei euch unterbringen?
Can we accommodate the guests at your place for one night?
Compare with
unterbringen vs aufnehmen
to record / take in
Here, aufnehmen means accepting a person into your home or your own institution. Unterbringen, on the other hand, emphasizes providing or arranging a place to sleep; this place can also be somewhere else.
unterbringen
Wegen des Unwetters bringt die Familie zwei Reisende in einer Pension unter.
Because of the storm, the family finds two travelers a place to stay at a guesthouse.
aufnehmen
Wegen des Unwetters nimmt die Familie zwei Reisende bei sich auf.
Because of the storm, the family takes in two travelers.
In real life
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