In 15 Seconds
- Used for job, university, or scholarship applications.
- Always reflexive: you 'apply yourself' to the role.
- Pair with 'um' for the job and 'bei' for the company.
Meaning
This phrase is what you use when you're throwing your hat in the ring for a job, a university spot, or a scholarship. It literally means you are presenting yourself as a candidate for something you want.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking to a friend about job hunting
Ich bewerbe mich gerade um fünf verschiedene Stellen.
I am currently applying for five different positions.
Explaining where you applied
Hast du dich schon bei dieser neuen Firma beworben?
Have you already applied at that new company?
Formal cover letter opening
Hiermit bewerbe ich mich um die Stelle als Marketing-Manager.
I hereby apply for the position of Marketing Manager.
Cultural Background
The 'Bewerbungsmappe' is a physical or digital folder containing your CV, cover letter, and all certificates. It must be perfectly organized. Titles (Magister, Doktor) are very important in applications. If you have one, include it in your 'sich bewerben' process. Applications often require a 'Referenzliste' (list of references) right from the start, unlike in some other cultures where it's requested later. The 'Anschreiben' (cover letter) should be exactly one page. Too long or too short is seen as a lack of professionalism.
The Preposition Rule
Always pair 'bewerben' with 'um'. If you use 'für', you sound like a beginner.
Reflexive Pronoun
Don't forget 'mich/dich/sich'. Without it, the sentence is incomplete.
In 15 Seconds
- Used for job, university, or scholarship applications.
- Always reflexive: you 'apply yourself' to the role.
- Pair with 'um' for the job and 'bei' for the company.
What It Means
sich bewerben is the bread and butter of German professional life. It is a reflexive verb. This means you are technically 'applying yourself' to a position. It is not just for jobs. You use it for internships, university programs, or even clubs. It carries a sense of formal request and self-presentation.
How To Use It
You need two main pieces to make this work. First, use the reflexive pronoun mich, dich, sich, etc. Second, use the preposition um for the position you want. For example, Ich bewerbe mich um einen Job. If you want to mention the company, use bei. So, Ich bewerbe mich bei Siemens. It sounds a bit complex at first. Just remember: sich + bewerben + bei (company) + um (job).
When To Use It
Use this whenever you are in the process of seeking a new role. It is perfect for professional networking. Use it when telling friends about your career moves. It fits perfectly in a formal cover letter. You will also see it on every job portal in Germany. Even if you are just 'applying' for a spot in a competitive sports club, this is your word.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for physical 'applying.' If you are putting on sunscreen, use auftragen. If you are applying a rule to a situation, use anwenden. Also, do not use it for 'applying' pressure. That would be ausüben. This verb is strictly for 'applying' as a candidate. Don't tell your doctor you're 'applying' a bandage with this word, or they might think the bandage needs a CV!
Cultural Background
Germans take the Bewerbung process very seriously. Traditionally, it involved a thick folder called a Bewerbungsmappe. This included your CV, certificates, and even a professional photo. While everything is digital now, the high standard remains. A 'standard' application is often more detailed than in the US or UK. It is a cultural ritual of proving your qualifications and reliability.
Common Variations
The noun form is die Bewerbung. You will hear das Bewerbungsgespräch for the job interview. If you are the one applying, you are der Bewerber. If you want to say someone is 'overqualified,' you might hear they are überqualifiziert for the Bewerbung. It is a whole ecosystem of vocabulary!
Usage Notes
Always remember the reflexive pronoun. While it's used in formal contexts, the verb itself is neutral and used in everyday conversation about careers.
The Preposition Rule
Always pair 'bewerben' with 'um'. If you use 'für', you sound like a beginner.
Reflexive Pronoun
Don't forget 'mich/dich/sich'. Without it, the sentence is incomplete.
Formal Address
When applying, always use 'Sie' unless explicitly told otherwise.
Examples
6Ich bewerbe mich gerade um fünf verschiedene Stellen.
I am currently applying for five different positions.
Uses the present tense to describe an ongoing effort.
Hast du dich schon bei dieser neuen Firma beworben?
Have you already applied at that new company?
Uses 'bei' to indicate the employer.
Hiermit bewerbe ich mich um die Stelle als Marketing-Manager.
I hereby apply for the position of Marketing Manager.
A classic, very formal opening for a written application.
Ich werde mich einfach bewerben, was habe ich zu verlieren?
I'm just going to apply, what do I have to lose?
Shows the verb in a future-intent context.
Kann ich mich um den Posten als dein fester Freund bewerben?
Can I apply for the position of your boyfriend?
Using formal job language in a romantic context for a joke.
Ich habe mich um einen Studienplatz beworben und warte nun nervös.
I applied for a university spot and am now waiting nervously.
Expresses the emotional weight of the application process.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct reflexive pronoun and preposition.
Ich bewerbe ___ ___ {den|m} Job.
In German, you apply 'yourself' (mich) 'around' (um) the job.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the right conjugation:
'Bewerben' is a strong verb where 'e' changes to 'i'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Wo hast du dich beworben? B: Ich habe mich ___ Siemens beworben.
Use 'bei' for the company name.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesIch bewerbe ___ ___ {den|m} Job.
In German, you apply 'yourself' (mich) 'around' (um) the job.
Choose the right conjugation:
'Bewerben' is a strong verb where 'e' changes to 'i'.
A: Wo hast du dich beworben? B: Ich habe mich ___ Siemens beworben.
Use 'bei' for the company name.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 'sich bewerben auf' is common in spoken German, but 'um' is preferred in formal writing.
There is no non-reflexive 'bewerben' in this context. It must always be 'sich bewerben'.
No, you can just say 'Ich bewerbe mich um die Stelle'.
Only as a joke. It's too formal for real romance.
You usually use 'einen Antrag stellen' for visas, but 'sich bewerben' works for competitive visas like the Green Card.
It's when you apply to a company that hasn't posted a job ad.
Yes, in German, the prefix 'be-' is never stressed.
No, you apply for a position or a goal.
Ich bewarb mich (Präteritum) or Ich habe mich beworben (Perfekt).
Both! 'Um' is for the job, 'als' is for your role (e.g., bewerben um eine Stelle als Lehrer).
Related Phrases
sich vorstellen
similarto introduce oneself
abwerben
specialized formto headhunt/poach
werben für
contrastto advertise for
eine Absage erhalten
builds onto get a rejection
eine Zusage erhalten
builds onto get an acceptance
