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A2 adjective 11 min read

bedroht

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips bedroht in 30 Seconds

Explanation bedroht in your Level:

At the A1 level, you learn that 'bedroht' means someone or something is in danger. It is often used with animals. For example, 'Der Tiger ist bedroht.' This means the tiger is in danger and might not exist in the future. You use it like a normal adjective after 'ist' (is). It is an important word for talking about nature and animals, which are common topics for beginners. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet, just remember that it describes a state of danger. You might see it in simple books or posters about the environment. It is a good word to know when you want to express that something needs help or protection. Even at this early stage, knowing 'bedroht' helps you understand basic news about the world. You can also use it for people, but it's more common for animals at this level. Remember: 'bedroht' = danger. It's a simple but powerful word to add to your vocabulary. Practice saying 'Das Tier ist bedroht' to get used to the sound. The 'h' is silent, and you focus on the 'o' sound. It's a useful word for your first conversations about the world around you.

At the A2 level, you start to use 'bedroht' in more complete sentences. You learn that many animals are 'vom Aussterben bedroht' (threatened by extinction). This is a very common phrase. You also learn to use it with 'durch' (by/through), like 'bedroht durch den Klimawandel'. At this level, you should be able to describe why something is bedroht. You might talk about 'bedrohte Tierarten' (endangered species) in a short presentation or essay. You are also introduced to the idea that it's not just animals; even jobs or places can be bedroht. For example, 'Mein Arbeitsplatz ist bedroht.' This means your job is at risk. You are beginning to see how the word changes when it's in front of a noun (adjective endings), though you might still make mistakes with them. The important thing is to understand the context of threat and danger in everyday life. You hear it in news reports for learners or see it in simple newspaper articles. It's a word that helps you discuss problems and challenges. You can also use it to say how you feel: 'Ich fühle mich bedroht.' This is useful for personal safety contexts. A2 is about expanding the 'where' and 'why' of the threat.

At the B1 level, you use 'bedroht' to discuss social and political issues. You can talk about 'bedrohte Minderheiten' (threatened minorities) or 'bedrohte Sprachen' (threatened languages). You understand the difference between 'bedroht' and 'gefährdet' and can choose the right word for the situation. Your grammar is more precise; you use the correct adjective endings and prepositions ('von' or 'durch') without much thought. You can follow more complex news stories where the word 'bedroht' is used to describe economic crises or international conflicts. For example, 'Die Stabilität der Region ist bedroht.' You also start to recognize the noun form 'Bedrohung'. In discussions, you can use 'bedroht' to argue for the protection of certain values or groups. You might write a letter or an essay about environmental protection, using 'bedroht' to emphasize the urgency of the problem. You are also more aware of the emotional tone the word carries. It's not just a fact; it's a call for action. At B1, 'bedroht' becomes a key tool for expressing opinions on important global and local topics. You can also describe complex cause-and-effect relationships involving threats.

At the B2 level, you use 'bedroht' with nuance and in abstract contexts. You might talk about 'existentiell bedrohte Unternehmen' (existentially threatened companies) or 'die bedrohte Privatsphäre' (threatened privacy) in the digital age. You are comfortable using the word in formal debates and can articulate the specific nature of a threat. You understand how 'bedroht' fits into the passive voice ('Er wird bedroht') and can use it to describe ongoing situations. You can read complex articles in magazines like 'Der Spiegel' where 'bedroht' is used to analyze geopolitical risks. You also understand the difference between 'bedroht' and 'bedrohlich' clearly and never mix them up. Your vocabulary includes related words like 'akut', 'massiv', and 'ernsthaft' to modify 'bedroht'. You can explain why a certain policy might leave a group 'bedroht'. In writing, you use 'bedroht' to create a sense of gravity and importance. You are also aware of the cultural contexts where the word is used, such as in historical discussions about 'bedrohte Kulturen'. B2 is about using the word with precision and in a wide range of professional and academic settings.

At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated command of 'bedroht'. You use it in complex sentence structures, such as participle phrases: 'Vom ständigen Lärm bedroht, verließen die Anwohner das Viertel.' You can discuss the philosophical or psychological aspects of feeling 'bedroht'. You recognize the word in literary texts where it might be used metaphorically. Your use of collocations is natural and varied. You can distinguish between subtle shades of meaning, like 'prekär', 'gefährdet', and 'bedroht', and you choose the most effective one for your rhetorical goals. In professional contexts, you might use 'bedroht' to describe strategic risks to a business or a project. You can follow fast-paced discussions on television where 'bedroht' is used in rapid-fire political analysis. You are also sensitive to the register; you know when 'bedroht' might sound too alarmist and when it is exactly the right word to use. You can write high-level reports or academic papers where 'bedroht' is used to describe systemic vulnerabilities. At C1, the word is a fully integrated part of your high-level German, used with total accuracy and stylistic flair.

At the C2 level, you use 'bedroht' with the finesse of a native speaker. You are aware of its historical development and its use in classic German literature. You can use it in highly abstract or poetic ways. You might play with the word in creative writing or use it to make subtle points in a complex argument. You understand all its idiomatic uses and can even recognize when it's being used ironically or with a specific rhetorical twist. Your understanding of the word is deep, encompassing its legal, scientific, and social dimensions. You can effortlessly switch between different registers, using 'bedroht' in a formal speech or a casual conversation with equal ease. You are also aware of the subtle differences in how 'bedroht' might be used in different German-speaking regions, although it's mostly standardized. You can critique a text's use of the word, noting if it's used to manipulate emotions or if it accurately reflects a situation. At C2, 'bedroht' is not just a word you know; it's a tool you can use with complete mastery to express the most complex and nuanced ideas about danger, risk, and vulnerability in the human experience.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

bedroht in 30 Seconds

'Bedroht' means threatened or endangered.
Commonly used for animals (vom Aussterben bedroht).
Can describe people feeling unsafe (sich bedroht fühlen).
Often used with prepositions 'von' (agent) or 'durch' (cause).

The German adjective bedroht is a versatile and essential word in the German language, primarily used to describe a state of being under threat or in danger. At its core, it is the past participle of the verb bedrohen (to threaten), but it functions independently as an adjective to describe people, animals, environments, or even abstract concepts like peace or financial stability. When you use bedroht, you are communicating that something is vulnerable to an external force that could cause harm, destruction, or extinction. In a biological context, it is the standard term for endangered species. If a species is vom Aussterben bedroht, it means it is on the brink of disappearing forever. However, the word is not limited to biology. It is frequently heard in political discourse, such as when a country's security is bedroht by conflict, or in personal contexts where someone might feel bedroht by an individual's behavior. Understanding the nuance of this word requires looking at its intensity; it implies a more immediate or serious danger than simply being 'at risk' (gefährdet).

Biological Threat: Used to describe flora and fauna that are losing their habitat or population. For example: 'Der Eisbär ist durch den Klimawandel stark bedroht.'
Social/Political Threat: Used when institutions, values, or safety are at risk. 'Die Pressefreiheit wird in vielen Ländern bedroht.'
Economic Threat: Used for jobs, businesses, or financial existence. 'Viele kleine Läden sind durch die Inflation bedroht.'

Viele Tierarten im Regenwald sind massiv bedroht.

In everyday German, you might encounter this word in news headlines regarding environmental protection or international security. It carries a heavy emotional weight, signaling urgency and the need for action. While 'gefährdet' is often used as a synonym, 'bedroht' suggests a more active or direct menace. For instance, a building might be 'einsturzgefährdet' (at risk of collapsing), but a person is 'mit einer Waffe bedroht' (threatened with a weapon). This distinction is crucial for reaching higher levels of German proficiency.

Die Sicherheit der Bürger ist durch die Unruhen bedroht.

Ich fühle mich in dieser dunklen Gasse bedroht.

Diese Tradition ist leider bedroht und wird bald vergessen sein.

Die Existenz des Unternehmens ist ernsthaft bedroht.

Register: Standard German (Hochdeutsch). Used in formal writing, news, and casual conversation.
Emotional Tone: Often serious, urgent, or fearful depending on the context.

Using bedroht correctly in German involves understanding its role as both a predicative adjective (after a verb like 'sein' or 'werden') and an attributive adjective (before a noun). When used predicatively, it stays in its base form. For example: 'Die Wale sind bedroht.' Here, 'bedroht' describes the state of the whales. When used attributively, it must agree with the gender, number, and case of the noun it modifies. For example: 'Wir müssen die bedrohten Wale schützen.' In this sentence, 'bedrohten' is in the accusative plural form. Another common structure involves identifying the source of the threat. This is typically done using the preposition 'von' (followed by the dative case) or 'durch' (followed by the accusative case). 'Von' is often used for personal agents or specific entities ('bedroht von einem Mann'), while 'durch' is common for abstract forces, processes, or instruments ('bedroht durch den Klimawandel').

Predicative Use: Subject + sein/werden + bedroht. Example: 'Die Demokratie ist bedroht.'
Attributive Use: [Article] + [Declined Adjective] + Noun. Example: 'Ein bedrohter Lebensraum.'
With Prepositions: Bedroht + von + Dative / durch + Accusative. Example: 'Bedroht von Feinden' or 'Bedroht durch Abholzung.'

Der Journalist wurde wegen seiner Arbeit bedroht.

Es gibt viele bedrohte Sprachen auf der Welt.

Fühlst du dich von der Situation bedroht?

Die Küstenstädte sind durch den steigenden Meeresspiegel bedroht.

Ein bedrohter Zeuge muss von der Polizei geschützt werden.

In more complex sentences, 'bedroht' can be part of a participle phrase. For example: 'Vom Aussterben bedroht, kämpfen diese Tiere um ihr Überleben.' (Threatened by extinction, these animals fight for their survival). This usage is common in journalistic and scientific writing. It's also important to note the difference between 'bedroht' (threatened) and 'bedrohlich' (threatening/menacing). While 'bedroht' describes the one in danger, 'bedrohlich' describes the thing that causes the danger. A 'bedrohlicher Mann' is a man who looks scary or dangerous, whereas a 'bedrohter Mann' is a man who is being threatened by someone else. Mastering this distinction will significantly improve your accuracy in German.

Word Order: In German, the source of the threat usually comes before the word 'bedroht' when used as a participle: 'vom Aussterben bedroht'.
Adverbial Modifiers: Commonly modified by adverbs like 'stark' (strongly), 'massiv' (massively), 'ernsthaft' (seriously), or 'akut' (acutely).

You will encounter the word bedroht in a variety of real-world contexts in German-speaking countries. One of the most common places is in the news, specifically in segments dealing with 'Umweltschutz' (environmental protection). News anchors often report on 'bedrohte Tierarten' (endangered animal species) like the 'Feldhamster' or the 'Luchs'. In these reports, you'll hear phrases like 'akut bedroht' (acutely endangered) or 'auf der Roten Liste der bedrohten Arten' (on the Red List of endangered species). Beyond nature, the word is a staple in political journalism. Discussions about 'bedrohte Demokratien' or 'bedrohte Menschenrechte' are frequent in quality newspapers like Die Zeit or Süddeutsche Zeitung. In these contexts, the word emphasizes a state of crisis. In the realm of crime dramas (Krimis), which are immensely popular in Germany (like the famous series Tatort), you will often hear characters say they feel bedroht or that a witness is being bedroht by a criminal.

TV News/Documentaries: Reporting on climate change, habitat loss, and wildlife conservation. 'Die Korallenriffe sind weltweit bedroht.'
Crime Series (Krimis): Victims or witnesses reporting threats. 'Er hat mich mit einem Messer bedroht!'
Political Debates: Discussions on security, peace, and civil liberties. 'Unser Frieden in Europa ist bedroht.'

In den Nachrichten hieß es, dass die IT-Sicherheit der Bank bedroht ist.

In daily life, you might hear it in more mundane but still serious situations. For example, a small business owner might say their 'Existenz' is bedroht because of a new shopping mall opening nearby. In schools, teachers might talk about 'bedrohte Berufe' (threatened professions) due to artificial intelligence. Even in sports, a team's position in the league might be bedroht if they keep losing. The word is ubiquitous because it perfectly captures the feeling of vulnerability in the face of change or aggression. Whether it's a 'bedrohter Arbeitsplatz' (threatened job) or a 'bedrohte Minderheit' (threatened minority), the word serves as a call to attention.

Der Fortbestand des kleinen Dorfes ist durch die Abwanderung bedroht.

Hast du den Bericht über die bedrohten Regenwälder gesehen?

Durch die neue Brücke ist die Ruhe im Wohngebiet bedroht.

Wissenschaftler warnen, dass das Ökosystem massiv bedroht ist.

Common Collocations: 'Vom Aussterben bedroht', 'existentiell bedroht', 'akut bedroht', 'massiv bedroht'.
News Headlines: 'Arbeitsplätze bedroht', 'Währung bedroht', 'Frieden bedroht'.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing bedroht with its related adjective bedrohlich. As mentioned earlier, bedroht means 'threatened' (the one in danger), while bedrohlich means 'threatening' (the one causing the danger). For example, if you say 'Ich bin bedrohlich,' you are saying 'I am scary/menacing.' If you mean 'I am in danger,' you must say 'Ich bin bedroht.' Another common error involves the use of prepositions. English speakers might want to use 'mit' (with) because of the English 'threatened with,' but in German, 'mit' is only used for the instrument of the threat ('mit einem Messer bedroht'). When talking about the source or the cause of the danger, you must use 'von' or 'durch'. For instance, 'bedroht von der Kündigung' (threatened by dismissal). Using 'mit' in the wrong place can make the sentence sound unnatural or even change the meaning.

Bedroht vs. Bedrohlich: Bedroht = passive (I am threatened). Bedrohlich = active/quality (The situation is threatening).
Preposition Pitfalls: Don't use 'mit' for the cause. Use 'von' (agent) or 'durch' (process/reason).
Gefährdet vs. Bedroht: 'Gefährdet' is often 'at risk' or 'vulnerable'. 'Bedroht' is stronger, implying a specific threat.

Falsch: Ich bin bedrohlich (I am scary). Richtig: Ich bin bedroht (I am threatened).

Additionally, learners sometimes forget to decline the adjective when it's used before a noun. 'Die bedroht Tiere' is incorrect; it must be 'Die bedrohten Tiere'. This is a general rule for all German adjectives, but since bedroht is a longer word, the ending is sometimes swallowed by beginners. Furthermore, be careful not to confuse 'bedroht' with 'erschrocken' (frightened). While a threat might make you frightened, 'bedroht' refers to the objective state of being in danger, not necessarily your internal emotional reaction, although they often go together. Finally, ensure you don't use 'bedroht' when 'gefährlich' (dangerous) is meant. 'The tiger is threatened' is 'Der Tiger ist bedroht' (it might die out), but 'The tiger is dangerous' is 'Der Tiger ist gefährlich'.

Falsch: Die Situation ist bedroht. Richtig: Die Situation ist bedrohlich.

Falsch: Er ist bedroht von Kälte. Richtig: Er ist durch die Kälte bedroht.

Falsch: Ein bedroht Wald. Richtig: Ein bedrohter Wald.

Falsch: Ich fühle mich bedrohlich. (Unless you are the one threatening others!)

Summary of Errors: Confusing active/passive forms, incorrect prepositions, and missing adjective endings are the top three mistakes.

While bedroht is a powerful word, German offers several alternatives depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. The most common synonym is gefährdet. While they are often interchangeable, gefährdet is slightly broader and can mean 'at risk' or 'vulnerable'. For example, 'schlaganfallgefährdet' (at risk of a stroke) is common in medical contexts, where 'bedroht' would sound too dramatic. Another alternative is unsicher (insecure/unsafe), which is used when the threat is less specific or when referring to a general lack of safety. For instance, 'eine unsichere Lage' (an unsafe situation). If you want to describe something that is in a very fragile or precarious state, you might use prekär. This is often used for financial or social situations, like 'prekäre Arbeitsverhältnisse' (precarious working conditions). In formal or literary contexts, you might encounter gefahrvoll (perilous), though this describes the situation rather than the person in it.

Bedroht vs. Gefährdet: 'Bedroht' implies a threatener (active or abstract). 'Gefährdet' implies a state of vulnerability or risk.
Prekär: Use this for unstable social or financial situations where the future is uncertain.
In Gefahr (Phrase): A common prepositional phrase meaning 'in danger'. 'Er ist in Gefahr' is often more common in spoken German than 'Er ist bedroht'.

Der Patient ist stark infektionsgefährdet.

In legal contexts, you might hear nötigen (to coerce), which is related to the act of threatening someone to do something. If a person is being threatened with violence, the legal term is often Bedrohung (noun). For abstract concepts like a 'threatened peace', you could also use instabil (unstable) or fragil (fragile). However, bedroht remains the most direct way to say that something is under attack or in imminent danger. Understanding these synonyms allows you to choose the word that best fits the gravity and context of the situation. For example, 'eine bedrohte Existenz' sounds much more dire than 'eine unsichere Existenz'.

Die politische Lage ist momentan sehr prekär.

Diese Tierart gilt als stark gefährdet.

Das Gebäude ist einsturzgefährdet.

Wir leben in einer unsicheren Welt.

Antonyms: 'Sicher' (safe), 'geschützt' (protected), 'unbedroht' (unthreatened), 'stabil' (stable).

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The prefix 'be-' in German often turns an intransitive verb (drohen) into a transitive one (bedrohen), making the action more direct and focused on an object.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /bəˈdʁoːt/

US /bəˈdʁoʊt/

The stress is on the second syllable: be-DROHT.

Rhymes With

not rot tot Brot Boot Gebot Verbot Kot

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'h' (it is silent).
Making the 'o' too short (it should be long).
Stressing the first syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in context, especially with animals.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of adjective endings and prepositions.

Speaking 3/5

Longer word, needs practice with the 'o' sound.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation, usually easy to catch.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Gefahr Angst Tier Wald sicher

Learn Next

bedrohlich gefährden Schutz retten Umwelt

Advanced

prekär vulnerabel Einsturzgefahr Artenschutz Biodiversität

Grammar to Know

Adjective Declension

Die bedrohten Tiere (plural, nominative).

Prepositions with Dative

Bedroht von dem (vom) Hund.

Prepositions with Accusative

Bedroht durch den Klimawandel.

Passive Voice

Er wird von seinem Nachbarn bedroht.

Reflexive Verbs

Ich fühle mich bedroht.

Examples by Level

Der Tiger ist bedroht.

The tiger is endangered.

Simple subject + verb + adjective structure.

Diese Blumen sind bedroht.

These flowers are threatened.

Plural subject with 'sind'.

Ist der Panda bedroht?

Is the panda endangered?

Question form with verb at the beginning.

Der Wald ist bedroht.

The forest is threatened.

Masculine noun 'der Wald'.

Viele Tiere sind bedroht.

Many animals are endangered.

'Viele' indicates plural.

Die Natur ist bedroht.

Nature is threatened.

Feminine noun 'die Natur'.

Vögel sind bedroht.

Birds are threatened.

Plural noun without article.

Mein Hund fühlt sich bedroht.

My dog feels threatened.

Using 'fühlen' (to feel) with the adjective.

Der Eisbär ist vom Aussterben bedroht.

The polar bear is threatened by extinction.

'Vom Aussterben' is a fixed phrase (von + dem).

Viele Berufe sind durch Computer bedroht.

Many jobs are threatened by computers.

'Durch' indicates the cause of the threat.

Er fühlt sich von dem großen Hund bedroht.

He feels threatened by the big dog.

'Von' followed by the dative 'dem großen Hund'.

Wir müssen bedrohte Tiere schützen.

We must protect endangered animals.

Attributive use with adjective ending '-e' for accusative plural.

Die kleinen Geschäfte sind bedroht.

The small shops are threatened.

Plural subject 'die kleinen Geschäfte'.

Das Dorf ist durch das Wasser bedroht.

The village is threatened by the water.

'Durch' with neuter noun 'das Wasser'.

Fühlst du dich bedroht?

Do you feel threatened?

Reflexive verb 'sich fühlen'.

Die bedrohten Pflanzen brauchen Hilfe.

The threatened plants need help.

Attributive use with definite article (weak declension).

Bedrohte Minderheiten brauchen besonderen Schutz.

Threatened minorities need special protection.

Adjective ending '-e' for nominative plural (null article).

Die Pressefreiheit ist in diesem Land bedroht.

Freedom of the press is threatened in this country.

Abstract concept as the subject.

Er wurde von einem Unbekannten bedroht.

He was threatened by an unknown person.

Passive voice 'wurde bedroht'.

Der Klimawandel bedroht unsere Zukunft.

Climate change threatens our future.

Here used as a verb 'bedroht' (3rd person singular).

Es gibt eine Liste der bedrohten Sprachen.

There is a list of endangered languages.

Genitive plural 'der bedrohten Sprachen'.

Durch den Neubau ist die Ruhe bedroht.

The peace is threatened by the new building.

'Durch' showing causality.

Sie fühlt sich in ihrer Existenz bedroht.

She feels threatened in her existence.

'In ihrer Existenz' is a common phrase.

Wir sprechen heute über bedrohte Lebensräume.

Today we are talking about threatened habitats.

Accusative plural after 'über'.

Die wirtschaftliche Stabilität ist massiv bedroht.

Economic stability is massively threatened.

Adverb 'massiv' modifying the adjective.

Er sah sich von allen Seiten bedroht.

He saw himself threatened from all sides.

Reflexive 'sich sehen' + adjective.

Bedrohte Tierarten stehen auf der Roten Liste.

Endangered species are on the Red List.

Subject in plural.

Die Privatsphäre wird durch neue Gesetze bedroht.

Privacy is threatened by new laws.

Passive voice with 'wird'.

Ein bedrohter Zeuge bekommt Polizeischutz.

A threatened witness gets police protection.

Attributive use with indefinite article (mixed declension).

Die Vielfalt der Kulturen ist weltweit bedroht.

The diversity of cultures is threatened worldwide.

Genitive 'der Kulturen'.

Manche Berufe sind akut vom Aussterben bedroht.

Some professions are acutely threatened by extinction.

Adverb 'akut' adding intensity.

Er hat mich mit rechtlichen Schritten bedroht.

He threatened me with legal action.

Verb 'bedrohen' with 'mit' (instrument).

Vom Aussterben bedroht, kämpfen diese Wale um ihr Überleben.

Threatened by extinction, these whales fight for their survival.

Participle phrase at the beginning of the sentence.

Die bedrohte Idylle des Dorfes lockt viele Touristen an.

The threatened idyll of the village attracts many tourists.

Abstract noun 'Idylle'.

In einer bedrohten Demokratie ist Zivilcourage wichtig.

In a threatened democracy, civil courage is important.

Dative feminine 'einer bedrohten Demokratie'.

Er fühlte sich in seiner Ehre bedroht.

He felt his honor was threatened.

Abstract usage of 'bedroht'.

Die Firma ist durch die Konkurrenz ernsthaft bedroht.

The company is seriously threatened by the competition.

Adverb 'ernsthaft'.

Bedrohte Arten zu schützen, ist eine globale Aufgabe.

Protecting endangered species is a global task.

Infinitive clause as the subject.

Die Sicherheit der Daten ist ständig bedroht.

The security of the data is constantly threatened.

Genitive 'der Daten'.

Sie wurde subtil von ihrem Vorgesetzten bedroht.

She was subtly threatened by her supervisor.

Adverb 'subtil'.

Die bedrohte Existenz des Künstlers spiegelt sich in seinen Werken wider.

The artist's threatened existence is reflected in his works.

Complex sentence with separable verb 'widerspiegeln'.

Durch die Globalisierung sind viele lokale Traditionen bedroht.

Many local traditions are threatened by globalization.

Causal 'Durch' phrase.

Ein vom Schicksal bedrohter Held ist ein klassisches Motiv.

A hero threatened by fate is a classic motif.

Extended adjective phrase 'vom Schicksal bedrohter'.

Die Integrität des Systems ist durch den Hack bedroht.

The integrity of the system is threatened by the hack.

Technical/abstract context.

Er sah die bedrohten Werte seiner Jugend verschwinden.

He saw the threatened values of his youth disappearing.

Accusative object with participle.

Die bedrohte Stille der Arktis ist ein Grund zur Sorge.

The threatened silence of the Arctic is a cause for concern.

Metaphorical use of 'bedroht'.

In der bedrohten Stille suchte er nach Antworten.

In the threatened silence, he searched for answers.

Dative feminine after 'In'.

Die bedrohte Autonomie des Individuums ist ein zentrales Thema.

The threatened autonomy of the individual is a central theme.

Philosophical context.

Common Collocations

vom Aussterben bedroht

akut bedroht

massiv bedroht

ernsthaft bedroht

existentiell bedroht

sich bedroht fühlen

jemanden bedroht halten

bedrohte Tierart

bedrohte Minderheit

bedrohte Sprache

Common Phrases

vom Aussterben bedroht

— At risk of disappearing forever. Used for species.

Viele Insekten sind vom Aussterben bedroht.

sich bedroht fühlen

— To feel that one is in danger.

In der Dunkelheit fühle ich mich oft bedroht.

akut bedroht sein

— To be in immediate, serious danger.

Die Küste ist akut bedroht.

jemanden mit dem Tod bedrohen

— To threaten to kill someone (verb usage).

Er hat ihn mit dem Tod bedroht.

eine bedrohte Existenz

— A life or business that is at risk of failing.

Er führt eine bedrohte Existenz als freier Künstler.

bedrohte Arten

— Species that are endangered.

Der Schutz bedrohter Arten ist wichtig.

durch den Klimawandel bedroht

— Threatened by climate change.

Die Arktis ist durch den Klimawandel bedroht.

von Feinden bedroht

— Threatened by enemies.

Die Burg war von Feinden bedroht.

ernsthaft bedroht sein

— To be in serious danger.

Die Demokratie ist ernsthaft bedroht.

ein bedrohter Zeuge

— A witness whose safety is at risk.

Der bedrohte Zeuge steht unter Schutz.

Often Confused With

bedroht vs bedrohlich

'Bedrohlich' means threatening (the cause), while 'bedroht' means threatened (the victim).

bedroht vs gefährlich

'Gefährlich' means dangerous. A lion is 'gefährlich', but if it might die out, it is 'bedroht'.

bedroht vs ängstlich

'Ängstlich' is the feeling of fear. 'Bedroht' is the external state of being in danger.

Idioms & Expressions

"auf der Kippe stehen"

— To be in a precarious situation, close to failing or falling. Similar to being 'bedroht'.

Sein Job steht auf der Kippe.

informal

"fünf vor zwölf"

— It is almost too late; the threat is imminent.

Es ist fünf vor zwölf für den Regenwald.

neutral

"mit dem Rücken zur Wand stehen"

— To be in a desperate, threatened position with no way out.

Die Firma steht mit dem Rücken zur Wand.

informal

"ins Hintertreffen geraten"

— To fall behind and thus become threatened by competition.

Wir dürfen nicht ins Hintertreffen geraten.

neutral

"auf dünnem Eis stehen"

— To be in a risky, threatened position.

Du stehst mit deiner Meinung auf dünnem Eis.

informal

"den Boden unter den Füßen verlieren"

— To lose stability and feel threatened.

Nach der Kündigung verlor er den Boden unter den Füßen.

neutral

"in der Klemme stecken"

— To be in a difficult, threatened situation.

Er steckt finanziell in der Klemme.

informal

"ein Dorn im Auge sein"

— To be a nuisance that might lead to being threatened.

Sein Erfolg ist der Konkurrenz ein Dorn im Auge.

neutral

"Haare auf den Zähnen haben"

— To be aggressive, often making others feel threatened.

Pass auf, sie hat Haare auf den Zähnen.

informal

"jemandem im Nacken sitzen"

— To be a constant threat or pressure on someone.

Die Deadline sitzt mir im Nacken.

neutral

Easily Confused

bedroht vs bedrohlich

Similar sound and root.

Bedrohlich = scary/threatening. Bedroht = in danger.

Ein bedrohlicher Hund (a scary dog) vs. Ein bedrohter Hund (a dog in danger).

bedroht vs gefährdet

Overlapping meaning 'at risk'.

Gefährdet is broader, often used for health or minor risks. Bedroht is more serious and direct.

Die Ernte ist gefährdet (at risk) vs. Die Existenz ist bedroht (threatened).

bedroht vs drohend

Same root verb.

Drohend is the present participle: 'imminent' or 'threatening'.

Eine drohende Gefahr (an imminent danger).

bedroht vs erschrocken

Both relate to fear.

Erschrocken is a sudden reaction to a surprise. Bedroht is a state of being.

Ich bin erschrocken (I was startled) vs. Ich bin bedroht (I am under threat).

bedroht vs unsicher

Both imply lack of safety.

Unsicher is more general. Bedroht implies a specific source of danger.

Die Brücke ist unsicher (unsafe) vs. Die Stadt ist bedroht (threatened).

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] ist bedroht.

Der Wald ist bedroht.

[Subject] ist vom Aussterben bedroht.

Der Tiger ist vom Aussterben bedroht.

[Subject] fühlt sich bedroht.

Ich fühle mich bedroht.

[Subject] ist durch [Noun] bedroht.

Die Ernte ist durch den Regen bedroht.

[Subject] wird von [Person] bedroht.

Er wird von seinem Chef bedroht.

[Adjective] bedrohte [Noun]...

Massiv bedrohte Tierarten brauchen Hilfe.

Vom [Noun] bedroht, [Verb] [Subject]...

Vom Feuer bedroht, rannten die Menschen weg.

Die bedrohte [Abstract Noun]...

Die bedrohte Stabilität des Euro ist ein Problem.

Word Family

Nouns

Bedrohung (threat)

Bedroher (threatener)

Verbs

bedrohen (to threaten)

drohen (to menace/threaten)

Adjectives

bedrohlich (threatening)

unbedroht (unthreatened)

Gefahr

Gefährdung

Not

Risiko

Angst

How to Use It

frequency

High, especially in news and biology.

Common Mistakes

Ich bin bedrohlich. → Ich bin bedroht.
'Bedrohlich' means you are scary to others. 'Bedroht' means you are the one in danger.
Bedroht mit dem Klimawandel. → Bedroht durch den Klimawandel.
Use 'durch' for the cause of the threat, not 'mit'. 'Mit' is for tools (e.g., threatened with a knife).
Die bedroht Tiere. → Die bedrohten Tiere.
Adjectives before plural nouns with a definite article need the '-en' ending in the nominative.
Vom Aussterben bedrohen. → Vom Aussterben bedroht.
Use the adjective/participle 'bedroht' to describe the state, not the infinitive 'bedrohen'.
Er fühlt sich bedroht von das Feuer. → Er fühlt sich durch das Feuer bedroht.
'Von' requires the dative case, but 'durch' is better for natural causes. Also, check your cases!

Tips

Adjective Endings

Remember that 'bedroht' needs endings when it comes before a noun. 'Ein bedrohter Tiger', 'Die bedrohte Natur', 'Das bedrohte Dorf'.

Biology Context

Whenever you talk about animals in danger, 'bedroht' is your best friend. Use 'vom Aussterben bedroht' to sound like a pro.

Personal Safety

Use 'Ich fühle mich bedroht' if you feel unsafe. It is a clear and strong way to express danger.

Von vs. Durch

Think: 'Von' for a WHO, 'Durch' for a WHY. 'Von der Polizei' vs. 'Durch das Feuer'.

Bedroht vs. Bedrohlich

If the thing is scary, it's 'bedrohlich'. If the thing is in trouble, it's 'bedroht'. A shark is 'bedrohlich', but it is also 'bedroht' by overfishing.

Mnemonic

Think of 'bed-rot'. A rotting bed is a threat to your sleep! 'Bedroht' = threatened.

Academic Writing

In formal texts, use 'bedroht' to describe systemic risks to institutions or values.

Silent H

Don't try to say the 'h'. Just make the 'o' long: be-DROOO-t.

Compound Words

German loves compounds. Try 'aussterbensbedroht' for 'threatened with extinction'.

Rote Liste

In Germany, the 'Rote Liste' is the official list of bedrohte Arten. Mentioning it shows cultural knowledge.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'bed' that is 'rot' (rotten). If your bed is rotten, your sleep is 'bed-roht' (threatened)!

Visual Association

Imagine a panda sitting on a tiny, melting ice cube. The panda is 'bedroht'.

Word Web

Gefahr Tiere Angst Schutz Natur Sicherheit Klimawandel Hilfe

Challenge

Try to name three things in your life that are 'bedroht' (e.g., your free time, your garden, a tradition) and explain why using 'durch'.

Word Origin

Derived from the Middle High German 'bedrouwen', which comes from 'drohen' (to threaten).

Original meaning: To cause fear or to menace someone with harm.

Germanic.

Cultural Context

When using 'bedroht' for people, be aware that it implies a serious situation of fear or danger.

In English, 'threatened' and 'endangered' are separate words for biology, but in German, 'bedroht' covers both.

The 'Rote Liste' (Red List) of endangered species. News reports on the 'bedrohte Biene' (threatened bee). Documentaries about 'bedrohte Völker' (threatened indigenous peoples).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Environmental protection

bedrohte Tierarten
vom Aussterben bedroht
Lebensraum bedroht
Artenschutz

Personal safety

sich bedroht fühlen
mit einer Waffe bedroht
von jemandem bedroht werden
Polizeischutz

Economics

Arbeitsplatz bedroht
Existenz bedroht
durch Inflation bedroht
Firma bedroht

Politics

Demokratie bedroht
Frieden bedroht
Menschenrechte bedroht
Sicherheit bedroht

Technology

IT-Sicherheit bedroht
Privatsphäre bedroht
durch KI bedroht
Daten bedroht

Conversation Starters

"Welche Tierart ist deiner Meinung nach am meisten bedroht?"

"Hast du dich jemals in einer großen Stadt bedroht gefühlt?"

"Glaubst du, dass viele Berufe durch künstliche Intelligenz bedroht sind?"

"Was können wir tun, um bedrohte Sprachen zu retten?"

"Fühlst du dich durch den Klimawandel persönlich bedroht?"

Journal Prompts

Schreibe über eine Situation, in der du dich bedroht gefühlt hast.

Welche bedrohten Tiere liegen dir besonders am Herzen und warum?

Ist unsere Privatsphäre im Internet bedroht? Erkläre deine Meinung.

Wie würde eine Welt ohne bedrohte Tierarten aussehen?

Was bedeutet es für ein Unternehmen, in seiner Existenz bedroht zu sein?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

'Bedroht' (threatened) is usually more intense and implies a specific threat or agent, while 'gefährdet' (endangered/at risk) is broader and often used for general vulnerability. In biology, 'bedroht' is the standard for endangered species.

You say 'bedrohte Tierarten' or more specifically 'vom Aussterben bedrohte Arten'.

Use 'von' for a person or specific agent (e.g., 'von einem Mann bedroht') and 'durch' for an abstract cause or process (e.g., 'durch den Klimawandel bedroht').

Yes, 'mein Arbeitsplatz ist bedroht' is a very common way to say your job is at risk.

It is the past participle of the verb 'bedrohen', but it is very commonly used as an adjective to describe a state.

It means 'to feel threatened' or 'to feel like one is in danger'.

No, the 'h' is silent; it serves to lengthen the preceding 'o'.

It becomes 'die bedrohte', for example: 'die bedrohte Pflanze'.

Yes, you can use it for abstract things like 'Frieden' (peace), 'Demokratie' (democracy), or 'Existenz' (existence).

The noun is 'die Bedrohung' (the threat).