sich bewähren
To prove oneself
Littéralement: {"sich":"oneself","bew\u00e4hren":"to prove oneself, stand the test"}
En 15 secondes
- Proving your worth through action and time.
- Shows reliability under pressure.
- Used for people and things.
- Implies earned respect and proven quality.
Signification
Cela signifie montrer sa valeur ou son efficacité par l'action et le temps. C'est comme dire que quelque chose a 'résisté à l'épreuve' ou s'est avéré fiable dans le monde réel.
Exemples clés
3 sur 12Texting a friend about a new coffee shop
Der neue Kaffee ist super, und die Stühle sind bequem. Ich glaube, das Café `hat sich schon bewährt`.
The new coffee is great, and the chairs are comfy. I think the café has already proven itself.
Job interview follow-up email
Meine bisherigen Erfahrungen in der Projektleitung `haben sich in ähnlichen Situationen bewährt`.
My previous experience in project management has proven itself in similar situations.
Instagram caption for a hiking trip
Diese Wanderstiefel sind unglaublich! Nach 20 km durch Matsch und Geröll `haben sie sich wirklich bewährt`! ⛰️
These hiking boots are incredible! After 20 km through mud and scree, they have truly proven themselves!
Contexte culturel
The 'Probezeit' (probation period) is a legal standard in German work contracts, usually lasting 6 months. It is the literal time for an employee to 'sich bewähren'. The 'Made in Germany' seal is culturally linked to 'bewährte Technik'. Germans often prefer reliability over innovation for innovation's sake. In the German school system, the 'Probeunterricht' or 'Probejahr' is common when switching to higher-level schools like the Gymnasium. 'Bewährung' is the German word for 'probation' in a criminal sense. If a sentence is 'auf Bewährung', the person must prove they can behave well.
Use it in Job Applications
Instead of saying 'I am good at my job', say 'Ich habe mich in meiner bisherigen {die|f} Laufbahn als [Job Title] bewährt'. It sounds much more professional.
Don't forget the 'sich'
Without 'sich', the verb is very rare in modern German. Always pair it with the reflexive pronoun.
En 15 secondes
- Proving your worth through action and time.
- Shows reliability under pressure.
- Used for people and things.
- Implies earned respect and proven quality.
What It Means
Sich bewähren really means to show your true value, especially under pressure. It’s about proving you’re capable and reliable. You don't just *say* you're good; you *show* it through your actions. This phrase carries a sense of earned respect and proven effectiveness. It’s like a stamp of approval from reality itself. Did that new software update actually improve performance? Then it bewährt sich. Did your friend always have your back? They haben sich bewährt.
How To Use It
This is a reflexive verb, meaning the action reflects back on the subject. You use sich (oneself) with it. It often appears in the past tense (hat sich bewährt) or present tense (bewährt sich). It fits when talking about people, things, or even methods. Think about situations where performance is key. Did the plan work out? Did the person handle the crisis well? That’s where sich bewähren shines. It’s not for everyday, trivial stuff. It’s for when the stakes are a bit higher, or when you're reflecting on long-term reliability. You wouldn't say your coffee mug bewährt sich unless it survived a major drop. That would be a bit dramatic, don't you think?
Real-Life Examples
Imagine a new security system for your online bank. If it stops all the hackers, you'd say, "Das neue Sicherheitssystem hat sich bewährt." Or maybe your colleague took over a difficult project. If they nail it, you can tell your boss, "Sie hat sich wirklich bewährt in dieser Situation." Even a product can sich bewähren. "Dieser Wanderstiefel hat sich auf vielen Touren bewährt." It means they've proven their quality through use. You could even say it about a strategy. "Unsere Marketingstrategie hat sich im letzten Quartal bewährt."
When To Use It
Use sich bewähren when something or someone has demonstrated its worth over time or under challenging conditions. It’s perfect for evaluating performance, reliability, or effectiveness. Think job interviews: "Meine bisherigen Projekte haben sich bewährt." Or when discussing a tool: "Diese App hat sich als nützlich erwiesen." It implies a successful outcome after a period of testing. It’s like saying, "Yep, they passed the vibe check... and the actual test!" You can use it for both people and things. A sturdy backpack bewährt sich on a long trip. A loyal friend bewährt sich through thick and thin. It’s a solid, dependable phrase.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid sich bewähren for things that are brand new or haven't been tested yet. If something is just starting, it can't have sich bewährt. You also wouldn't use it for simple preferences. You like chocolate? Great, but your taste buds haven't exactly sich bewährt in a life-or-death scenario. Don't use it for fleeting moments either. It implies a more lasting proof of quality. Saying "Mein Kuchen hat sich bewährt" because you ate it once is a bit much. Unless it was a truly legendary cake that changed your life, maybe stick to "schmeckt gut". It’s not for expressing a simple opinion, but a proven track record. Think of it as the opposite of 'brand new shiny thing syndrome'.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse sich bewähren with simply 'to be good' or 'to work'. They might misuse it in contexts where something hasn't been tested. Another common slip is forgetting the reflexive pronoun sich. It's like trying to drive a car without an engine – it just doesn't go anywhere. Or they might use the wrong verb entirely. You wouldn't say sich beweisen (to prove oneself *to someone*) when you mean sich bewähren (to prove oneself *through performance*).
hat sich bewährt.
hat sich bewährt.
hat sich bewährt (in a specific context).
Similar Expressions
sich erweisen: This is very close, often interchangeable. "Die Methodehat sich als nützlich erwiesen." It means 'to prove oneself to be' or 'turn out to be'.Sich bewährenoften implies a tougher test.funktionieren: Simply means 'to work' or 'function'. It lacks the depth of proven reliability. "Die Heizungfunktioniert." (It works.) "Die Heizunghat sich bewährt." (It has proven reliable over time.)Bestand haben: Means 'to endure' or 'withstand'. Often used for challenges or criticism. "Die Kritikhat Bestand."Sich bewährenis more about active proving.sich auszahlen: Means 'to pay off'. Used for investments or efforts that yield good results. "Die Investitionhat sich ausgezahlt." It’s about the reward, not necessarily the test.
Common Variations
sich gut bewähren: To prove oneself very well. "Der neue Mitarbeiterhat sich gut bewährt."sich im Einsatz bewähren: To prove oneself in action/use. "Das Materialhat sich im Einsatz bewährt."sich in der Praxis bewähren: To prove oneself in practice. "Diese Theoriemuss sich erst in der Praxis bewähren."sich bewährt haben: Past tense, emphasizing the completed proof. "Die Methodehat sich bewährt."
Memory Trick
Imagine a Beaver (Bewähren) Building a Beautiful Barrier. He works hard, day and night, through storms and sun. After a year, the barrier holds strong against the flood! The Beaver Built a Barrier that Beautifully Behaved... it bewährt sich! The beaver proved his worth through diligent work. See? He Behaved and Built well!
Quick FAQ
Q: Is sich bewähren always positive?
A: Mostly, yes! It implies a successful outcome. You're highlighting something's proven value. It’s like a gold star sticker from the universe. It confirms reliability and effectiveness. It’s definitely a compliment.
Q: Can I use it for myself?
A: Yes! If you handled a tough situation well, you could say, "Ich glaube, ich habe mich in dieser Situation bewährt." It shows you're confident in your performance. Just be sure you *actually* did well. Humility is key, unless you're a superhero.
Q: What's the difference between sich bewähren and funktionieren?
A: Funktionieren is just 'to work'. Sich bewähren is 'to work *well* and *reliably* over time or under stress'. A toaster funktioniert if it toasts bread. It bewährt sich if it's still toasting perfectly after 10 years and survived a power surge. It's about proven endurance.
Notes d'usage
This phrase is generally neutral in formality but leans slightly towards serious or positive evaluation. It's crucial to remember the reflexive pronoun `sich`, as forgetting it renders the sentence incorrect. Avoid using it for things that haven't been tested or for simple, everyday functionality.
Use it in Job Applications
Instead of saying 'I am good at my job', say 'Ich habe mich in meiner bisherigen {die|f} Laufbahn als [Job Title] bewährt'. It sounds much more professional.
Don't forget the 'sich'
Without 'sich', the verb is very rare in modern German. Always pair it with the reflexive pronoun.
The 'Bewährt' Label
If you see 'Bewährtes {das|n} Produkt' on a package, it's a sign of trust, often used for brands that have been around for decades.
Exemples
12Der neue Kaffee ist super, und die Stühle sind bequem. Ich glaube, das Café `hat sich schon bewährt`.
The new coffee is great, and the chairs are comfy. I think the café has already proven itself.
Here, `hat sich bewährt` suggests the café is already showing signs of being a reliable, good spot, not just a fleeting trend.
Meine bisherigen Erfahrungen in der Projektleitung `haben sich in ähnlichen Situationen bewährt`.
My previous experience in project management has proven itself in similar situations.
This professional context uses the phrase to highlight past success and reliability, assuring the interviewer of your competence.
Diese Wanderstiefel sind unglaublich! Nach 20 km durch Matsch und Geröll `haben sie sich wirklich bewährt`! ⛰️
These hiking boots are incredible! After 20 km through mud and scree, they have truly proven themselves!
The phrase emphasizes the boots' durability and effectiveness after a tough test, perfect for a vlogger-style caption.
Die neue Funktion `bewährt sich` im täglichen Gebrauch. Weniger Fehler als zuvor.
The new feature is proving its worth in daily use. Fewer errors than before.
This shows the feature is actively demonstrating its effectiveness and reliability in real-world application.
Ich habe diesen Mixer seit Jahren und er `hat sich immer bewährt`.
I've had this mixer for years and it has always proven itself.
This highlights long-term reliability and consistent performance, a key aspect of `sich bewähren`.
Sein Rat war Gold wert. Er `hat sich als wahrer Freund bewährt`.
His advice was worth its weight in gold. He has proven himself a true friend.
This uses the phrase emotionally to signify deep trust and proven loyalty over time.
✗ Mein Auto `hat sich mir bewiesen`, dass es gut ist. → ✓ Mein Auto `hat sich bewährt`.
✗ My car proved itself to me that it's good. → ✓ My car has proven itself.
`Sich beweisen` means to prove oneself *to someone*, often in a competitive or demonstrative way. `Sich bewähren` is about proving general reliability and worth.
✗ Die neue Methode `bewährt gut` im Team. → ✓ Die neue Methode `hat sich gut bewährt` im Team.
✗ The new method proves well in the team. → ✓ The new method has proven itself well in the team.
The reflexive pronoun `sich` is essential. Without it, the verb doesn't make sense in this context. It's like forgetting the 'self' in 'prove oneself'.
Mein Toaster von 1980 `bewährt sich` immer noch. Wahrscheinlich überlebt er uns alle!
My toaster from 1980 is still proving its worth. It will probably outlive us all!
A lighthearted exaggeration, using `sich bewähren` to humorously comment on the appliance's surprising longevity and reliability.
In meiner vorherigen Rolle `habe ich mich in Krisensituationen bewährt` und das Team erfolgreich geführt.
In my previous role, I proved myself in crisis situations and successfully led the team.
This demonstrates competence and resilience under pressure, key qualities employers look for.
Das Rezept `hat sich wirklich bewährt`. Alle waren begeistert!
The recipe has really proven itself. Everyone was thrilled!
This implies the recipe was tested and delivered excellent results, satisfying expectations.
Dieser kleine Rucksack `hat sich auf meiner Reise bewährt` – super praktisch und robust!
This small backpack proved its worth on my trip – super practical and sturdy!
Highlights the backpack's practical value and durability, confirmed by real travel experience.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct reflexive pronoun and the form of 'bewähren'.
In der {die|f} Krise ______ die {die|f} neue {die|f} Strategie ______.
The subject is 'die neue Strategie' (singular), and the context implies a completed success, so Perfekt is best.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
A) Er hat sich als guter Lehrer bewährt. B) Er hat sich für einen guten Lehrer bewährt. C) Er hat einen guten Lehrer bewährt. D) Er hat sich einen guten Lehrer bewährt.
We use 'als' + Nominative to describe the role in which someone proves themselves.
Match the noun with the most logical context for 'sich bewähren'.
1. Die Probezeit | 2. Das Hausmittel | 3. Die Theorie
Probation belongs to work, home remedies to health, and theories to science.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
Chef: 'Wie läuft es mit dem neuen {der|m} Roboter?' Techniker: 'Sehr gut. Er ______ im {der|m} Schichtbetrieb ______.'
The technician is reporting a successful test period.
In which situation would you use 'ein bewährtes Mittel'?
A) You are trying a brand new, experimental drug. B) You are using your grandmother's soup recipe for a cold. C) You are buying a lottery ticket for the first time.
'Bewährt' implies it has worked many times in the past.
🎉 Score : /5
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
5 exercicesIn der {die|f} Krise ______ die {die|f} neue {die|f} Strategie ______.
The subject is 'die neue Strategie' (singular), and the context implies a completed success, so Perfekt is best.
A) Er hat sich als guter Lehrer bewährt. B) Er hat sich für einen guten Lehrer bewährt. C) Er hat einen guten Lehrer bewährt. D) Er hat sich einen guten Lehrer bewährt.
We use 'als' + Nominative to describe the role in which someone proves themselves.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Probation belongs to work, home remedies to health, and theories to science.
Chef: 'Wie läuft es mit dem neuen {der|m} Roboter?' Techniker: 'Sehr gut. Er ______ im {der|m} Schichtbetrieb ______.'
The technician is reporting a successful test period.
A) You are trying a brand new, experimental drug. B) You are using your grandmother's soup recipe for a cold. C) You are buying a lottery ticket for the first time.
'Bewährt' implies it has worked many times in the past.
🎉 Score : /5
Tutoriels video
Trouve des tutoriels vidéo sur YouTube pour cette expression.
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsNo, because 'bewähren' requires time. You can only say someone has 'bewährt' themselves after they have faced a challenge or worked for a while.
Not exactly. 'Es funktioniert' means it works now. 'Es hat sich bewährt' means it has worked consistently over time.
The noun is 'die {die|f} Bewährung'. It is often used in legal contexts (probation) or as 'die {die|f} Bewährungsprobe' (a test of worth).
Yes, for recipes or ingredients that always work well. 'Dieses {das|n} Mehl hat sich beim {das|n} Backen bewährt.'
It is neutral to formal. It's very common in business, but also used in everyday life for reliable things.
Expressions liées
die Feuerprobe bestehen
similarTo pass a difficult first test.
sich beweisen
similarTo prove oneself.
sich behaupten
similarTo hold one's ground.
versagen
contrastTo fail.
