What does the prefix be- do in german verbs?
In the dictionary, it appears that verbs like antworten and beantworten have the same meaning, for example. The same (supposedly) goes for schützen and beschützen.
I'd like to know if that's really the same, or if their meaning varies depending on context, or for some other reason.

Thanks.

Question

What does the prefix be- do in german verbs?
In the dictionary, it appears that verbs like antworten and beantworten have the same meaning, for example. The same (supposedly) goes for schützen and beschützen.
I'd like to know if that's really the same, or if their meaning varies depending on context, or for some other reason.

Thanks.

Answer

All "be" verbs are transitive (or reflexive) and must include an object.

auf eine Frage antworten
eine Frage beantworten
Although they appear the same, there is this technical difference.

Some pairs are the same, some aren't. I don't think there is a rule to know which are or aren't. Just learn them one by one.

Answer

Thanks as well!

Answer

Hi Diogo, I'd like to share a great website with you for learning German.

http://yourdailygerman.wordpress.com/2013/03/13/german-prefixes-explanation-be/

The post I linked is all about the "be-" prefix. I hope it helps : )

Answer

Thanks!

Answer

It's not so short and easy as suggested below.

http://www.canoo.net/services/WordformationRules/Derivation/To-V/Praefixe/be.html