Looking up...
to provide space or lodging for someone or something
Das Museum beherbergt eine Sammlung antiker Kunstwerke.
The museum houses a collection of ancient artworks.
Die kleine Wohnung beherbergt eine vierköpfige Familie.
The small apartment accommodates a family of four.
Often used for both people and objects (e.g., collections, data).
to contain or hold something within itself
Der Artikel beherbergt wichtige Informationen.
The article contains important information.
Common in technical or abstract contexts.
'Beherbergen' emphasizes providing space or lodging, while 'unterbringen' often implies arranging or placing someone/something in a specific location. Use 'beherbergen' for general accommodation and 'unterbringen' for more active arrangement.
Use 'beherbergen' when the focus is on the space or capacity to hold something/someone, rather than the act of arranging them. It’s less about the process and more about the inherent ability to contain.
From Middle High German *beherbergen*, from Old High German *bihërbergōn*, equivalent to *be-* (intensive prefix) + *Herberge* (shelter, hostel). Related to Old English *hierberg* (shelter).
Common in both literal (accommodation) and figurative (containing ideas/collections) contexts. Often used in formal or neutral registers.