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beherbergen
/bəˈhɛʁbɛʁɡn̩/
to accommodate
Das Hotel beherbergt bis zu 200 Gäste.
The hotel can accommodate up to 200 guests.
neutral
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).
neutral
to contain or hold something within itself
Der Artikel beherbergt wichtige Informationen.
The article contains important information.
Common in technical or abstract contexts.
Collocations
Gäste beherbergento accommodate guestseine Sammlung beherbergento house a collectionDaten beherbergento store data
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Common Mistake: 'beherbergen' vs. 'unterbringen'
'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.
Gold Rule
When to use 'beherbergen'
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.
Word Origin
From Middle High German *beherbergen*, from Old High German *bihërbergōn*, equivalent to *be-* (intensive prefix) + *Herberge* (shelter, hostel). Related to Old English *hierberg* (shelter).
Usage Notes
Common in both literal (accommodation) and figurative (containing ideas/collections) contexts. Often used in formal or neutral registers.
Word Breakdown
be-
intensifying prefix
prefixHerberge
shelter, hostel
root-n
infinitive verb ending
suffixDeutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch