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sich anbieten
/zɪç ˈanˌbiːtən/
to volunteer
Er bot sich an, die Präsentation zu übernehmen.
He volunteered to take over the presentation.
neutral
to offer oneself for a task or role, often voluntarily
Sie bot sich an, beim Projekt zu helfen.
She offered to help with the project.
Er bietet sich immer für schwierige Aufgaben an.
He always volunteers for difficult tasks.
Common in both formal and informal contexts. Often implies willingness without external prompting.
Collocations
sich freiwillig anbietento volunteer willinglysich für etwas anbietento offer oneself for something
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Mistake: Omitting 'sich'
Do not confuse 'sich anbieten' with 'anbieten' (to offer something). The reflexive pronoun 'sich' is required to indicate that the subject is volunteering themselves.
Gold Rule
Reflexive Construction
Always use 'sich' with 'anbieten' when the subject is volunteering themselves. Example: 'Er bietet sich an' (He volunteers) vs. 'Er bietet Hilfe an' (He offers help).
Word Origin
From 'sich' (reflexive pronoun) + 'anbieten' (to offer). The reflexive construction emphasizes the subject's voluntary action.
Usage Notes
This phrase is widely used in both spoken and written German. It is particularly common in professional and team settings where initiative is valued. The reflexive 'sich' is essential—omitting it changes the meaning to 'to offer something to someone.'
Word Breakdown
sich
reflexive pronoun (oneself)
pronounanbieten
to offer
verbDeutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch