begleiten
Ich begleite dich nach Hause.
I'll accompany you home.
To go somewhere with someone as a companion or escort.
Der Lehrer begleitet die Schüler auf dem Ausflug.
The teacher accompanies the students on the field trip.
Can imply physical presence or metaphorical support.
To occur or exist at the same time as something else.
Der Regen begleitete uns den ganzen Tag.
The rain accompanied us all day.
To provide background music or sound for a performance or event.
Das Orchester begleitet die Sängerin.
The orchestra accompanies the singer.
Collocations
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Preposition Usage
When accompanying someone to a place, use 'zu' or 'bis zu': 'Ich begleite dich zum Arzt' (I'll accompany you to the doctor). For metaphorical support, use 'bei': 'Er begleitet mich bei meinen Entscheidungen' (He supports me in my decisions).
Gold Rule
Physical vs. Metaphorical
'Begleiten' primarily refers to physical accompaniment but can extend to metaphorical support. Context determines the meaning: 'Der Song begleitet mich' (The song stays with me) vs. 'Ich begleite dich nach Hause' (I'll go home with you).
Word Origin
From Middle High German *begleiten*, from Old High German *bigleitōn*, from Proto-Germanic *\*ga-\*laidijaną* ("to lead"), related to English 'lead' and 'load'.
Usage Notes
In modern German, 'begleiten' is commonly used for both literal and figurative accompaniment. The preposition 'mit' is often used with people ('mit jemandem gehen'), while 'begleiten' emphasizes the role of the companion.