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beantworten
/bəˈʔantvɔʁtn̩/
to answer
Kannst du meine Frage beantworten?
Can you answer my question?
neutral
to give an answer to; to respond to a question or request
Er hat meine E-Mail nicht beantwortet.
He didn’t answer my email.
Die Firma beantwortet Kundenanfragen innerhalb von 24 Stunden.
The company responds to customer inquiries within 24 hours.
Used with direct objects (questions, emails, requests, etc.). Do not confuse with 'antworten auf' (to reply to), which requires a prepositional phrase.
Collocations
eine Frage beantwortento answer a questioneine E-Mail beantwortento reply to an emaileine Anfrage beantwortento respond to an inquiry
Synonyms
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Direct object vs. prepositional phrase
Use 'beantworten' with a direct object (e.g., 'eine E-Mail beantworten'). For 'antworten', use 'antworten auf' with a prepositional phrase (e.g., 'auf die E-Mail antworten').
Gold Rule
When to use 'beantworten'
Use 'beantworten' when you are providing a complete or thorough answer to a question, email, or request. It implies a direct response to the object itself.
Word Origin
From Middle High German 'beantwürten', from Old High German 'antwurten' (to answer), with the prefix 'be-' adding a sense of completion or thoroughness. Cognate with English 'answer'.
Usage Notes
Unlike 'antworten auf', which requires a prepositional phrase (e.g., 'auf die Frage antworten'), 'beantworten' takes a direct object (e.g., 'die Frage beantworten'). 'Beantworten' implies a more complete or thorough response.
Word Breakdown
be-
prefix indicating completion or thoroughness
prefixantworten
to answer
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