zubereiten
to prepare
To make a meal or drink ready for consumption by cooking, mixing, or other methods.
EXAMPLE
Heute Abend bereite ich eine Lasagne zu.
Tonight I am preparing a lasagna.
zubereiten
to prepare
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Meanings
jemandem etwas zubereiten
to cause someone something
(elevated, rare) To cause someone difficulties, worries, or inconvenience.
EXAMPLE
Seine unbedachte Entscheidung hat ihm viel Kummer zubereitet.
His thoughtless decision caused him a lot of grief.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Zubereiten' (to prepare) is a separable verb. The prefix 'zu' stands at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Ich bereite das Abendessen zu.
I am preparing dinner.
Typical collocations
In its main meaning, the verb is almost always combined with food and drinks. Typical phrases are: 'ein Gericht zubereiten' (to prepare a dish), 'eine Mahlzeit zubereiten' (to prepare a meal), 'einen Salat zubereiten' (to prepare a salad), or 'einen Tee zubereiten' (to prepare a tea).
EXAMPLE
Für die Gäste bereiten wir ein Drei-Gänge-Menü zu.
We are preparing a three-course meal for the guests.
Context clue
The rare meaning 'Schwierigkeiten verursachen' (to cause difficulties) can be recognized from context. It is not used with food, but with abstract, negative nouns like 'Sorgen' (worries), 'Kummer' (grief), or 'Probleme' (problems).
EXAMPLE
Sein Verhalten bereitete den Eltern große Sorgen zu.
His behavior caused his parents great worry.
Dative construction
When 'zubereiten' (to cause) means 'verursachen' (to cause), it is often used with a dative object for the person affected. The structure is: jemandem (dative) etwas (accusative) zubereiten.
EXAMPLE
Diese Entscheidung hat ihm viele Schwierigkeiten zubereitet.
This decision caused him many difficulties.
Register and style
The meaning 'Kummer verursachen' (to cause grief) is elevated and is used more in written language or literary texts. In normal usage, it is very rare.
EXAMPLE
Die Nachricht von seiner Krankheit bereitete ihr tiefen Kummer zu.
The news of his illness caused her deep grief.
Compare with
zubereiten vs kochen
to cook / to boil
Both verbs can describe preparing a meal. „Kochen“ often refers to the entire activity and is especially suitable for a hot meal, while „zubereiten“ also includes mixing or other steps that do not involve heating. Use „kochen“ for a specific cooking action and „zubereiten“ for general preparation as well.
zubereiten
Für das Abendessen bereite ich heute einen frischen Salat zu.
I’m preparing a fresh salad for dinner today.
kochen
Für das Abendessen koche ich heute eine warme Suppe.
I’m cooking a hot soup for dinner today.
In real life
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