bevölkert in 30 Seconds
- Bevölkert means populated or inhabited by people.
- It's an adjective describing places with inhabitants.
- Use it to talk about cities, regions, or countries.
- Commonly used with adverbs like 'dicht' (densely) or 'wenig' (sparsely).
- English Meaning
- Inhabited by people; populated.
- German Grammatical Role
- Adjective.
- CEFR Level
- B1.
The German word 'bevölkert' is an adjective that describes a place or area as being inhabited by people or a significant population. It's essentially the German equivalent of 'populated' or 'inhabited'. You'll encounter this word when discussing geography, demographics, urban planning, or even historical settlement patterns. It's a common and useful term for describing the human presence in a given location.
Die Stadt ist dicht bevölkert.
Think about describing a bustling metropolis versus a sparsely populated rural area. 'Bevölkert' is the word you'd use to convey that sense of human presence. It can be used to describe anything from a small village to an entire country. The intensity of the population can also be indicated by adverbs, such as 'dicht bevölkert' (densely populated) or 'wenig bevölkert' (sparsely populated).
- Usage Contexts
- Geographical descriptions, demographic studies, travel guides, news reports about cities or regions, historical accounts of settlements, discussions about urban sprawl or rural depopulation.
When you see or hear 'bevölkert', always consider the subject it's modifying. Is it a city? A country? An island? The adjective helps paint a picture of how many people call that place home. It's derived from the verb 'bevölkern', which means 'to populate'. So, 'bevölkert' is the past participle used as an adjective.
Diese Insel ist nur im Süden bevölkert.
Understanding 'bevölkert' is key to grasping descriptions of human settlement patterns in German-speaking regions and beyond. It's a descriptive term that adds detail to geographical and societal discussions.
Using 'bevölkert' correctly involves placing it as an adjective, typically after the noun it describes or in predicative position. It agrees in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies, though in its common adjectival use, it often appears in its uninflected form after a linking verb like 'sein' (to be) or 'werden' (to become).
- Basic Structure
- [Subject] + sein/werden + bevölkert.
Das Tal ist gut bevölkert.
You can also use adverbs to modify the degree of 'bevölkert'. Common adverbs include 'dicht' (densely), 'stark' (strongly/heavily), 'mäßig' (moderately), 'wenig' (sparsely), and 'kaum' (hardly/scarcely).
- With Adverbs
- [Subject] + sein/werden + [Adverb] + bevölkert.
Die Küstenregion ist sehr bevölkert.
When 'bevölkert' precedes a noun, it needs to be declined according to the grammatical rules of German adjectives. This is less common in everyday speech than the predicative use, but you might find it in more formal or descriptive texts.
- Attributive Use (Less Common)
- Ein/Eine/Der/Die/Das + [Adjective ending] + [Noun] + ist/sind + [Adverb] + bevölkert.
Wir leben in einer dicht bevölkerten Stadt.
The past participle form 'bevölkert' is used here as an adjective. It implies a state resulting from the action of populating. You might also encounter the verb form 'sich bevölkern' (to become populated), but 'bevölkert' as an adjective is more frequent for describing the current state of a place.
Practice forming sentences with different subjects and adverbs to get a feel for how 'bevölkert' is used in various contexts. It's a versatile adjective for describing human presence in geographical locations.
You'll frequently encounter 'bevölkert' in contexts where the population density or presence of people in a specific area is being discussed. This includes a wide range of situations, from casual conversations to more formal reporting.
- News and Media
- News reports about urban development, migration patterns, or the impact of events on specific regions often use 'bevölkert' to describe areas. For example, 'Die Innenstadt ist stark bevölkert.' (The city center is heavily populated.)
Die Region ist nur mäßig bevölkert.
- Travel and Geography
- Travel guides and geographical descriptions will use 'bevölkert' to give potential visitors an idea of how crowded or sparse an area is. 'Dies ist eine wenig bevölkerte Gegend.' (This is a sparsely populated area.)
Imagine reading about a national park or a remote island; the description might state whether it is 'kaum bevölkert' (hardly populated) or 'dicht bevölkert' (densely populated).
- Social Studies and Demographics
- In academic or informative texts about population studies, 'bevölkert' is a standard term. 'Die nördlichen Gebiete sind weniger bevölkert als die südlichen.' (The northern areas are less populated than the southern ones.)
Das Dorf ist nur von wenigen Menschen bevölkert.
- Everyday Conversations
- When discussing moving to a new area, or describing a place you've visited, you might hear: 'Ich ziehe in eine weniger bevölkerte Gegend.' (I am moving to a less populated area.) Or, 'Die Altstadt ist abends kaum bevölkert.' (The old town is hardly populated in the evenings.)
Essentially, any situation where the number of people in a location is relevant, especially in contrast or comparison, is a place where you might hear or read 'bevölkert'.
While 'bevölkert' is a straightforward adjective, learners can sometimes make errors related to its usage, particularly concerning its declension and the adverbs it's paired with.
- Incorrect Declension
- Mistake: Using 'bevölkert' without proper adjective endings when it precedes a noun. For example, saying 'ein bevölkert Stadt' instead of 'eine bevölkerte Stadt'.
- Correction: Remember that when 'bevölkert' acts as an attributive adjective (directly before a noun), it must be declined according to the gender, number, and case of the noun. In the nominative feminine singular, it takes an '-e' ending: 'eine bevölkerte Stadt'.
Incorrect: Das Land ist bevölkert von vielen Menschen.
- Confusing 'bevölkert' with the Verb
- Mistake: Using 'bevölkert' as a verb in the present tense, e.g., 'Die Stadt bevölkert sich schnell.' (The city populates itself quickly.) While 'sich bevölkern' exists, 'bevölkert' as an adjective describes a state.
- Correction: 'Bevölkert' is primarily used as a past participle functioning as an adjective, describing a place that *is* populated. Use 'ist bevölkert' or 'wird bevölkert' to describe the state. If you want to describe the process of becoming populated, you might use 'sich bevölkern' in the appropriate verb form.
For instance, 'Die Stadt ist dicht bevölkert.' (The city is densely populated.) is correct, whereas 'Die Stadt dicht bevölkert.' is incomplete.
- Incorrect Adverb Usage
- Mistake: Misplacing or misusing adverbs that modify 'bevölkert'. For example, saying 'Die Stadt ist bevölkert dicht.' or using an adverb that doesn't fit the context, like 'Die Wüste ist stark bevölkert.' (The desert is heavily populated - usually incorrect).
- Correction: Adverbs usually precede 'bevölkert' when used predicatively: 'Die Stadt ist dicht bevölkert.' Ensure the adverb logically describes the population density. 'Stark bevölkert' is appropriate for cities or regions with many people, not deserts.
Paying attention to adjective endings and the logical use of descriptive adverbs will help you avoid these common pitfalls and use 'bevölkert' accurately.
While 'bevölkert' is the primary word for 'populated' or 'inhabited' in German, several other words and phrases can convey similar meanings, sometimes with nuances in emphasis or formality. Understanding these alternatives enriches your vocabulary and allows for more precise expression.
- 'Bewohnt' (Inhabited)
- Meaning: Inhabited; occupied. This is very close to 'bevölkert' but can sometimes emphasize the act of dwelling or living in a place rather than just the presence of a population.
- Usage: Often used for houses, apartments, or specific dwellings. 'Das Haus ist bewohnt.' (The house is inhabited.) It can also be used for larger areas but 'bevölkert' is more common for describing population density.
- Example Comparison: 'Die Stadt ist dicht bevölkert.' (The city is densely populated - focus on many people.) vs. 'Die alte Burg ist noch bewohnt.' (The old castle is still inhabited - focus on someone living there.)
- 'Besiedelt' (Settled)
- Meaning: Settled; colonized. This word emphasizes the process of establishing a settlement or the historical aspect of people moving into an area.
- Usage: Commonly used in historical or geographical contexts when talking about the initial settlement of a region. 'Dieses Gebiet wurde früh besiedelt.' (This area was settled early.)
- Example Comparison: 'Die Küste ist stark bevölkert.' (The coast is heavily populated - current state.) vs. 'Die Küste wurde von den Römern besiedelt.' (The coast was settled by the Romans - historical action.)
The city is densely populated.
- 'Volkreich' (Populous)
- Meaning: Populous; having a large population. This is an adjective that directly describes a place as having many people, often implying a large quantity.
- Usage: Similar to 'bevölkert' but can sometimes sound a bit more formal or literary. 'Deutschland ist ein volkreiches Land.' (Germany is a populous country.)
- Example Comparison: 'Die Region ist kaum bevölkert.' (The region is hardly populated.) vs. 'Das ist ein sehr volkreiches Gebiet.' (That is a very populous area.)
- Phrases describing population
- Meaning: Various phrases can be used to describe population density, often more descriptive than a single adjective.
- Usage: 'Hohe Bevölkerungsdichte' (high population density), 'dicht besiedelt' (densely settled), 'wenig Einwohner' (few inhabitants).
- Example Comparison: Instead of 'Die Stadt ist bevölkert.', you could say 'Die Stadt hat eine hohe Bevölkerungsdichte.' (The city has a high population density.)
When choosing between these options, consider the specific nuance you want to convey: the current state of human presence ('bevölkert'), the act of living there ('bewohnt'), the historical establishment of a community ('besiedelt'), or the sheer quantity of people ('volkreich').
How Formal Is It?
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Fun Fact
The concept of 'Volk' has a long and complex history in German, evolving from a simple term for 'people' to carrying significant cultural and political connotations, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries. The verb 'bevölkern' reflects this core idea of a group of people inhabiting a place.
Pronunciation Guide
- Mispronouncing the 'ö' sound: It's not an 'o' or 'eu' sound. It's a distinct umlaut vowel.
- Incorrect stress placement: Stressing the first syllable ('BE-volkert') is incorrect.
- Adding an extra syllable: Pronouncing it as 'be-volk-er-ted' is wrong.
Difficulty Rating
The adjective 'bevölkert' is commonly encountered in B1 level reading materials, particularly in texts discussing geography, news, or travel. Its meaning is generally clear from context.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Adjective Declension
When 'bevölkert' precedes a noun, it must be declined. For example, 'eine dicht bevölkerte Stadt' (a densely populated city).
Use of 'sein' and 'werden'
'Bevölkert' is often used with 'sein' (to be) to describe a current state: 'Die Stadt ist dicht bevölkert.' It can also be used with 'werden' (to become) to describe a change: 'Das Tal wird nun dichter bevölkert.'
Adverb Placement
Adverbs modifying 'bevölkert' typically precede it in predicative position: 'Die Region ist kaum bevölkert.'
Past Participle as Adjective
'Bevölkert' is the past participle of 'bevölkern', used here as a descriptive adjective.
Comparison
To compare population densities, you can use comparative forms: 'Diese Stadt ist weniger bevölkert als jene.' (This city is less populated than that one.)
Examples by Level
Das Haus ist bevölkert.
The house is populated.
Simple predicative use of the adjective.
Die Stadt ist bevölkert.
The city is populated.
Common usage for describing a city.
Ist hier bevölkert?
Is it populated here?
Interrogative sentence.
Nein, nicht bevölkert.
No, not populated.
Negative response.
Das Dorf ist bevölkert.
The village is populated.
Describing a smaller settlement.
Die Insel ist bevölkert.
The island is populated.
Describing an island.
Ist das Land bevölkert?
Is the country populated?
Asking about a larger geographical area.
Ja, sehr bevölkert.
Yes, very populated.
Emphasizing the degree of population.
Die Innenstadt ist stark bevölkert.
The city center is heavily populated.
Using an adverb ('stark') to modify the adjective.
Diese Gegend ist wenig bevölkert.
This area is sparsely populated.
Using 'wenig' to indicate low population.
Das Tal wird nun gut bevölkert.
The valley is now well populated.
Using 'wird' (becomes) to indicate a change.
Ist die Region schon bevölkert?
Is the region already populated?
Asking about the existing state.
Die Wüste ist kaum bevölkert.
The desert is hardly populated.
Using 'kaum' (hardly) for very low population.
Das Dorf ist sehr bevölkert für seine Größe.
The village is very populated for its size.
Adding a comparative element.
Wir leben in einer bevölkerten Stadt.
We live in a populated city.
Attributive use with a simple noun.
Nach dem Krieg war das Gebiet neu bevölkert.
After the war, the area was newly populated.
Describing a post-event situation.
Die Metropole ist außerordentlich dicht bevölkert.
The metropolis is extraordinarily densely populated.
Using a more sophisticated adverb ('außerordentlich').
Diese abgelegene Insel ist nur saisonal bevölkert.
This remote island is only seasonally populated.
Indicating a temporary or conditional population.
Die Region wurde nach dem Konflikt wieder bevölkert.
The region was repopulated after the conflict.
Implies a process of becoming populated again.
Es ist eine dünn bevölkertes Gebiet, ideal für Naturliebhaber.
It is a thinly populated area, ideal for nature lovers.
Attributive use with 'dünn' (thinly).
Die Stadtverwaltung bemüht sich, das Zentrum wieder stärker zu bevölkern.
The city administration is trying to repopulate the center more strongly.
Using 'bevölkern' in a more active sense related to policy.
Manche Gebiete sind von Touristen bevölkert, andere von Einheimischen.
Some areas are populated by tourists, others by locals.
Distinguishing types of inhabitants.
Nach der Katastrophe war das Land kaum noch bevölkert.
After the catastrophe, the country was hardly populated anymore.
Describing a drastic decrease in population.
Die nördlichen Landesteile sind traditionell weniger bevölkert.
The northern parts of the country are traditionally less populated.
Referring to traditional demographic patterns.
Die strategische Bedeutung des Gebiets führte dazu, dass es dicht bevölkert wurde.
The strategic importance of the area led to it being densely populated.
Complex sentence structure with a causal relationship.
Die Urbanisierung hat dazu beigetragen, dass diese einst ländlichen Zonen nun stark bevölkert sind.
Urbanization has contributed to these once rural zones now being heavily populated.
Discussing societal trends affecting population.
Die Erschließung neuer Ressourcen lockte eine beträchtliche Anzahl Menschen an, wodurch die Region dichter bevölkert wurde.
The development of new resources attracted a considerable number of people, whereby the region became more densely populated.
Explaining the reasons for population growth.
Es ist fraglich, ob die Infrastruktur einer derart dicht bevölkerten Stadt langfristig gewachsen ist.
It is questionable whether the infrastructure of such a densely populated city is sustainable in the long term.
Expressing doubt about the capacity of a densely populated area.
Die Abwanderung junger Menschen hat dazu geführt, dass viele Dörfer nur noch von älteren Generationen bevölkert werden.
The emigration of young people has led to many villages being populated only by older generations.
Describing demographic shifts and their consequences.
Manche Forscher argumentieren, dass eine weniger bevölkerte Umgebung das kreative Denken fördert.
Some researchers argue that a less populated environment fosters creative thinking.
Presenting a hypothesis related to population density.
Die historische Entwicklung zeigt, wie sich die bevölkerten Zonen über Jahrhunderte verschoben haben.
The historical development shows how the populated zones have shifted over centuries.
Discussing historical geographical changes.
Die Entscheidung, das Gebiet zu re-bevölkern, stieß auf Widerstand bei den Ureinwohnern.
The decision to repopulate the area met with resistance from the indigenous people.
Using 're-bevölkern' and discussing conflict.
Die demografische Entwicklung lässt vermuten, dass diese Region in Zukunft weniger bevölkert sein wird.
Demographic development suggests that this region will be less populated in the future.
Using 'lässt vermuten' (suggests) and discussing future trends.
Die Ansiedlung von Industrien in ehemals dünn bevölkerten Gebieten hat die soziale Struktur grundlegend verändert.
The establishment of industries in formerly sparsely populated areas has fundamentally changed the social structure.
Analyzing the impact of industrialization on sparsely populated areas.
Die Notwendigkeit, das Land wieder zu bevölkern, erforderte innovative Ansätze im Städtebau.
The necessity to repopulate the land required innovative approaches in urban planning.
Discussing policy and planning for repopulation.
Kontroverse Debatten ranken sich um die Frage, ob eine dichtere Besiedlung zwangsläufig zu einer höheren Lebensqualität führt, oder ob weniger bevölkerte Räume Vorteile bieten.
Controversial debates revolve around the question of whether denser settlement inevitably leads to a higher quality of life, or whether less populated spaces offer advantages.
Complex sentence structure discussing a debate with contrasting ideas.
Die Verteilung der Bevölkerung über die Jahrhunderte hinweg spiegelt die ökologischen und ökonomischen Gegebenheiten der jeweiligen Epoche wider, wodurch sich die bevölkerten Zonen immer wieder neu formierten.
The distribution of the population over the centuries reflects the ecological and economic conditions of the respective era, whereby the populated zones continually reformed.
Elaborating on historical factors influencing population distribution.
Die Rückkehr zur Natur zieht vermehrt Menschen in ehemals wenig bevölkerte Regionen, was jedoch neue Herausforderungen für den Umweltschutz mit sich bringt.
The return to nature increasingly draws people to formerly sparsely populated regions, which, however, brings new challenges for environmental protection.
Discussing modern trends and their environmental implications.
Die effiziente Nutzung knapper Ressourcen in stark bevölkerten Gebieten bleibt eine der größten globalen Herausforderungen.
The efficient use of scarce resources in densely populated areas remains one of the greatest global challenges.
Addressing global challenges related to population density.
Die staatliche Politik zielte darauf ab, das Land durch gezielte Anreize wieder stärker zu bevölkern und die Wirtschaft anzukurbeln.
The state policy aimed to repopulate the country more strongly through targeted incentives and stimulate the economy.
Describing government strategies for population growth.
Die geographische Beschaffenheit und die historischen Migrationsmuster haben die heutige, ungleichmäßig bevölkerten Landschaft maßgeblich geprägt.
The geographical characteristics and historical migration patterns have significantly shaped today's unevenly populated landscape.
Synthesizing multiple factors to explain population distribution.
Die Herausforderung besteht darin, eine nachhaltige Balance zwischen der Notwendigkeit, wirtschaftlich prosperierende, dicht bevölkerte Zentren zu unterhalten, und dem Erhalt ökologischer Vielfalt in weniger genutzten Arealen zu finden.
The challenge lies in finding a sustainable balance between the necessity of maintaining economically prosperous, densely populated centers and preserving ecological diversity in less utilized areas.
Discussing complex balancing acts between development and conservation.
Die Epoche der Kolonialisierung hinterließ eine Spur von Gebieten, die entweder entvölkert oder durch neue Siedler stark bevölkert wurden, was bis heute nachwirkt.
The era of colonization left a trail of areas that were either depopulated or heavily populated by new settlers, the effects of which persist to this day.
Analyzing the long-term consequences of historical events on population.
Die Komplexität der Bevölkerungsdynamik in globalisierten Weltregionen erfordert eine differenzierte Betrachtung, da Faktoren wie Arbeitsmigration und klimatische Veränderungen die traditionellen Muster der bevölkerten Zonen aufbrechen.
The complexity of population dynamics in globalized world regions requires a differentiated approach, as factors such as labor migration and climate change are breaking up traditional patterns of populated zones.
Examining intricate global population dynamics.
Die strategische Re-bevölkerung von Grenzregionen war oft von politischen und militärischen Erwägungen geleitet, um die Souveränität zu festigen und die wirtschaftliche Entwicklung zu fördern.
The strategic repopulation of border regions was often guided by political and military considerations to consolidate sovereignty and promote economic development.
Analyzing the political motivations behind repopulation.
Die Debatte um die 'entvölkerte' Landschaft versus die 'dicht bevölkerte' Metropole spiegelt grundlegende Spannungen zwischen dem Wunsch nach Naturverbundenheit und den Annehmlichkeiten urbaner Lebensformen wider.
The debate about the 'depopulated' landscape versus the 'densely populated' metropolis reflects fundamental tensions between the desire for connection with nature and the conveniences of urban lifestyles.
Philosophical exploration of contrasting living environments.
Die Interpretation historischer Karten erfordert ein Verständnis dafür, wie sich die Prädikate 'wenig bevölkert' und 'dicht besiedelt' im Laufe der Zeit kontextuell verändert haben.
The interpretation of historical maps requires an understanding of how the predicates 'sparsely populated' and 'densely settled' have contextually changed over time.
Discussing the historical evolution of descriptive terms.
Die Re-urbanisierungsprozesse in einigen westlichen Städten zielen darauf ab, die Innenstädte wieder stärker zu bevölkern, indem sie Wohnraum schaffen und die Lebensqualität verbessern.
Re-urbanization processes in some Western cities aim to repopulate city centers by creating housing and improving the quality of life.
Analyzing contemporary urban development strategies.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— This phrase means the city has a very large number of people living in it, with little space between them.
Mumbai ist eine der dicht bevölkertsten Städte der Welt.
— This describes an area where only a small number of people live, with a lot of open space.
Wir suchen eine wenig bevölkerte Region für unseren Urlaub, um Ruhe zu finden.
— This indicates that people have returned to or moved into an area that was previously empty or sparsely populated.
Nach vielen Jahren der Verlassenheit wurde das alte Bergbaudorf wieder bevölkert.
— This means that during the day, there are very few people in the park.
Der Park ist tagsüber kaum bevölkert, was ihn perfekt für Spaziergänge macht.
— This is a question asking if people live in the area or if it has a significant population.
Vor dem Kauf der neuen Wohnung fragte er: 'Ist diese Gegend bevölkert?'
— This means the coastal area has a large population, likely due to its desirability or economic activity.
Die Küste ist stark bevölkert, was zu vielen Touristen führt.
— This describes a country with a large land area but a relatively small population.
Australien ist ein riesiges, aber dünn bevölkertes Land.
— This indicates that people only live on or visit the island during the summer months.
Die Insel ist nur im Sommer bevölkert, wenn die Touristen kommen.
— This specifies that the village has a small population.
Das kleine Dorf ist von wenigen Menschen bevölkert, die alle miteinander bekannt sind.
— This suggests a continuous increase in the population of a country.
Aufgrund der wirtschaftlichen Chancen wird das Land immer stärker bevölkert.
Often Confused With
'Bewohnt' means inhabited or occupied, often referring more to the act of dwelling in a place, like a house or apartment. 'Bevölkert' focuses more on the presence of a population in a larger area.
'Besiedelt' means settled or colonized, emphasizing the historical process of establishing a community in an area, rather than the current state of population density.
'Volk' means people or nation. 'Bevölkert' is derived from it and describes a place *having* a 'Volk', but it's an adjective, not the noun for the group itself.
Idioms & Expressions
— Literally 'The city is bursting at the seams'. This idiom means the city is extremely crowded and overpopulated, suggesting it cannot accommodate any more people.
Mit Millionen von Einwohnern platzt die Stadt aus allen Nähten.
Informal— Literally 'human-empty'. This is an adjective describing a place that is completely devoid of people, emphasizing its emptiness and lack of population. It's a strong contrast to 'bevölkert'.
Nach dem Ausbruch der Krankheit war das gesamte Dorf menschenleer.
Neutral/Literary— Literally 'A village like from a picture book'. While this doesn't directly relate to population density, it often describes idyllic, well-maintained, and sometimes sparsely populated villages that appear perfect.
Das kleine Bergdorf ist ein Dorf wie aus dem Bilderbuch, ruhig und malerisch.
Neutral— Literally 'The area is full of life'. This idiom implies that a place is very active, vibrant, and often, but not exclusively, because it is well-populated and busy.
Berlin ist eine Stadt voller Leben, besonders am Wochenende.
Informal— Literally 'A forgotten corner of the earth'. This idiom describes a remote, secluded, and often sparsely populated place that is overlooked or rarely visited.
In den Bergen fanden wir ein vergessenes Fleckchen Erde, das perfekt zum Entspannen war.
Neutral/Literary— Literally 'Where the fox and the hare say goodnight to each other'. This idiom describes a very remote, isolated, and sparsely populated area, far from civilization.
Das alte Forsthaus liegt an einem Ort, wo sich Fuchs und Hase gute Nacht sagen.
Informal/Literary— Literally 'Untouched by human hand'. This describes natural areas that have not been inhabited or significantly altered by people, implying they are not populated.
Die tiefen Wälder im Norden sind von Menschenhand unberührt.
Neutral/Literary— Literally 'An anthill'. This metaphor is used to describe a place that is extremely crowded and bustling with activity, like an anthill, often implying a very high population density.
Der Bahnhof zur Rushhour ist ein richtiger Ameisenhaufen.
Informal— Literally 'The city lives'. Similar to 'voller Leben', this idiom implies that a city is vibrant, active, and has a strong pulse, often due to its population and activity.
Nach der Pandemie erwacht die Stadt wieder zum Leben.
Neutral— Literally 'A lonely little place'. This describes a small, quiet, and often sparsely populated village or town.
Wir übernachteten in einem einsamen Örtchen an der Küste.
InformalEasily Confused
Both words relate to the presence of people.
'Bevölkert' describes a place having a population (e.g., a city, region). 'Bewohnt' describes a place being occupied or lived in by someone (e.g., a house, an apartment). While a 'bewohntes Haus' implies people live there, 'eine bevölkerte Stadt' describes the city's overall population density.
Das Haus ist <strong>bewohnt</strong>. (The house is inhabited.) Die Stadt ist <strong>bevölkert</strong>. (The city is populated.)
Both relate to people establishing themselves in an area.
'Bevölkert' describes the current state of having people. 'Besiedelt' refers to the historical process of settling or colonizing an area. You can have a 'besiedeltes Gebiet' (settled area) that is now 'wenig bevölkert' (sparsely populated).
Die Römer <strong>besiedelten</strong> die Region. (The Romans settled the region.) Heute ist die Region kaum <strong>bevölkert</strong>. (Today the region is hardly populated.)
It is the direct opposite of 'bewohnt', and 'bevölkert' implies presence of people.
'Unbewohnt' means uninhabited. 'Bevölkert' means populated. They are antonyms in concept. 'Die Insel ist <strong>unbewohnt</strong>.' (The island is uninhabited.) vs. 'Die Insel ist <strong>bevölkert</strong>.' (The island is populated.)
Ein <strong>unbewohntes</strong> Haus steht leer. Eine <strong>bevölkerte</strong> Stadt hat viele Einwohner.
Both can imply absence of people.
'Leer' means empty and can apply to anything lacking contents (a box, a room, a street). 'Bevölkert' specifically refers to the presence of people in a place. A street can be 'leer' at night but 'bevölkert' during the day.
Die Straße war <strong>leer</strong>. (The street was empty.) Die Straße war <strong>bevölkert</strong>. (The street was populated.)
'Bevölkert' is derived from 'Volk'.
'Volk' is a noun meaning 'people' or 'nation'. 'Bevölkert' is an adjective meaning 'populated' or 'inhabited'. You have a 'Volk' that makes a place 'bevölkert'.
Das deutsche <strong>Volk</strong> lebt in einem bevölkerten Land.
Sentence Patterns
[Subject] + ist + bevölkert.
Die Stadt ist bevölkert.
[Subject] + ist + [Adverb] + bevölkert.
Das Dorf ist <strong>wenig</strong> bevölkert.
Eine/Ein + [Adjective ending] + [Noun] + ist + [Adverb] + bevölkert.
Das ist eine <strong>dicht</strong> bevölkertes Gebiet.
[Subject] + wird + [Adverb] + bevölkert.
Die Insel wird langsam wieder bevölkert.
Die Tatsache, dass [Subject] + [Adverb] + bevölkert ist, ...
Die Tatsache, dass die Region <strong>stark</strong> bevölkert ist, hat viele Vorteile.
Obwohl [Subject] + [Adverb] + bevölkert ist, ...
Obwohl die Stadt <strong>dicht</strong> bevölkert ist, ist sie sehr ruhig.
Die zunehmende Anzahl von Menschen hat dazu geführt, dass das Gebiet dichter bevölkert wurde.
Die Zuwanderung hat dazu geführt, dass das Gebiet dichter bevölkert wurde.
Es ist bemerkenswert, wie sich eine einst kaum bevölkerte Region zu einem Ballungszentrum entwickelt hat.
Es ist bemerkenswert, wie sich eine einst kaum bevölkerte Region zu einem Ballungszentrum entwickelt hat.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
High. The word is common in everyday German, especially when discussing geography, news, and travel.
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Forgetting adjective endings.
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eine dicht bevölkert<strong>e</strong> Stadt
When 'bevölkert' precedes a noun, it needs declension. The ending depends on the gender, number, and case of the noun. In this example, 'Stadt' is feminine, and it's in the nominative case, requiring an '-e' ending.
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Using 'bevölkert' as a verb.
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Die Stadt <strong>ist</strong> dicht bevölkert.
'Bevölkert' is typically used as a past participle functioning as an adjective. It describes a state. You need a linking verb like 'sein' (ist) or 'werden' (wird) to form a complete sentence.
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Incorrect adverb placement or choice.
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Die Region ist <strong>wenig</strong> bevölkert.
Adverbs modifying 'bevölkert' usually come before it. Also, choose adverbs that logically fit the context. 'Wenig bevölkert' for a rural area is correct, but 'stark bevölkert' would be incorrect for a desert.
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Confusing 'bevölkert' with 'bewohnt' or 'besiedelt'.
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Die Stadt ist stark bevölkert. Das Haus ist bewohnt. Das Gebiet wurde früh besiedelt.
'Bevölkert' refers to population density of an area. 'Bewohnt' refers to occupancy of a dwelling. 'Besiedelt' refers to historical settlement. Each has a distinct meaning and context.
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Using 'bevölkert' for non-human populations.
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Der Wald ist voller Vögel. Die Wiese ist von Insekten bevölkert.
'Bevölkert' is strictly for human populations. For animals, use phrases like 'voll von' (full of) or specify the inhabitants directly.
Tips
Adverb Power
Don't forget to use adverbs with 'bevölkert' to add detail. Think about 'dicht' (densely), 'wenig' (sparsely), 'stark' (heavily), 'mäßig' (moderately), and 'kaum' (hardly). This makes your descriptions much richer.
Adjective Endings
Remember that if 'bevölkert' comes before a noun, it needs an ending. For example, 'eine bevölkerte Stadt'. When it comes after 'ist' or 'wird', it usually doesn't need an ending: 'Die Stadt ist bevölkert.'
Folk Connection
Link 'bevölkert' to the English word 'folk' (people). If a place is 'be-folk-ered', it's full of folk, hence populated!
Geographical Focus
'Bevölkert' is primarily used for geographical locations – cities, countries, regions, islands, etc. It describes the human presence in these places.
Bevölkert vs. Bewohnt
Use 'bevölkert' for population density of areas, and 'bewohnt' for specific dwellings being occupied. A city is 'bevölkert', a house is 'bewohnt'.
Describe Your Surroundings
Try describing your street, your town, or your country using 'bevölkert' and appropriate adverbs. This active recall is great for learning.
Listen for Adverbs
When listening to German, pay close attention to the adverbs used with 'bevölkert'. They provide crucial information about population levels.
Antonym Awareness
Knowing the opposite helps! The antonym for 'bevölkert' is 'unbewohnt' (uninhabited). Also consider 'leer' (empty) and 'verlassen' (abandoned).
Historical vs. Present
Distinguish 'bevölkert' (current state) from 'besiedelt' (historical settlement process).
Journaling Prompt
Write a journal entry describing a place you know well, using 'bevölkert' with different adverbs to capture its population characteristics.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a busy 'VOLK' (people) in a place, making it 'BE-VOLK-ert'. Think of a huge crowd of people filling up an area, making it 'be-volk-ered'.
Visual Association
Picture a map of a country. Draw many tiny stick figures representing people all over it. The more figures you draw, the more 'bevölkert' the map becomes. Contrast this with a map with very few figures, which is 'unbevölkert'.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe five different places you know using 'bevölkert' and appropriate adverbs. For example, 'My hometown is moderately 'bevölkert'.' or 'The national park is sparsely 'bevölkert'.'
Word Origin
The word 'bevölkert' originates from the German verb 'bevölkern', which itself is derived from the noun 'Volk' (people, nation). The prefix 'be-' often indicates an action being done to something or a thorough process.
Original meaning: Literally, to 'people' something or to fill it with people.
Germanic languages.Cultural Context
While 'bevölkert' itself is a neutral descriptor, discussions about population density can sometimes touch upon sensitive topics like immigration, resource allocation, and the impact of human activity on the environment. It is important to use the term in a factual and respectful manner.
In English-speaking countries, 'populated' or 'inhabited' serve the same function as 'bevölkert'. The concept is universal, but the specific German word carries nuances tied to the German understanding of 'Volk'.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Describing cities and towns
- Die Stadt ist dicht bevölkert.
- Eine gut bevölkerte Gegend.
- Die Innenstadt ist stark bevölkert.
Discussing countries and regions
- Ein dünn bevölkertes Land.
- Die Region ist wenig bevölkert.
- Das Land wird immer stärker bevölkert.
Talking about islands or remote areas
- Die Insel ist kaum bevölkert.
- Nur saisonal bevölkert.
- Eine abgelegene, aber bevölkerte Siedlung.
Historical or future population changes
- Das Gebiet wurde wieder bevölkert.
- Zukünftig weniger bevölkert.
- Nach dem Krieg neu bevölkert.
Comparing population densities
- Weniger bevölkert als...
- Stärker bevölkert als...
- Im Vergleich dazu wenig bevölkert.
Conversation Starters
"What's the most densely populated city you've ever visited?"
"Do you prefer living in a heavily populated area or a sparsely populated one?"
"How do you think climate change might affect which areas are populated in the future?"
"What are the pros and cons of living in a very populated city?"
"Can you think of any regions that were once sparsely populated but are now heavily populated?"
Journal Prompts
Describe your hometown or a place you know well using the word 'bevölkert'. Is it densely or sparsely populated? What are the implications of this?
Imagine you are a city planner. How would you approach managing a densely populated city? What challenges would you face?
Write a short story about people settling in a previously unpopulated area. Use the word 'bevölkert' to describe how the area changes.
Reflect on the difference between a 'populated' place and a 'lively' place. Can a place be populated but not lively, or vice versa? Explain your thoughts.
Consider a place you've seen in the news that is experiencing significant population changes. How would you describe its current state using 'bevölkert'?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions'Bevölkert' refers to a place having a significant population, focusing on the quantity of people in an area like a city or region. 'Bewohnt' means inhabited or occupied, often used for specific dwellings like houses or apartments, emphasizing that someone lives there. For example, 'Die Stadt ist dicht bevölkert' (The city is densely populated), while 'Das Haus ist bewohnt' (The house is inhabited).
No, 'bevölkert' specifically refers to human inhabitants. If you want to describe an area populated by animals, you would use different terms like 'voll von Tieren' (full of animals) or describe the habitat.
You can use adverbs to specify the degree of population. Common ones include 'dicht' (densely), 'wenig' (sparsely), 'stark' (heavily), 'mäßig' (moderately), and 'kaum' (hardly). For example, 'Die Region ist wenig bevölkert.'
'Besiedelt' refers to the historical process of settling or colonizing an area. 'Bevölkert' describes the current state of being populated. You might say a region was 'besiedelt' long ago and is now 'bevölkert' (or 'wenig bevölkert').
Yes, if 'bevölkert' comes directly before a noun (attributive use), it needs to be declined according to the noun's gender, number, and case. For example, 'eine dicht bevölkerte Stadt' (a densely populated city). However, it's most commonly used predicatively after 'sein' or 'werden', where it typically doesn't take an ending: 'Die Stadt ist dicht bevölkert.'
The most direct opposite is 'unbewohnt' (uninhabited). Other related antonyms include 'leer' (empty) and 'verlassen' (abandoned/deserted).
'Bevölkert' is a standard, neutral adjective. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though its usage might be more common in descriptive texts (news, travel guides) than in very casual slang.
While technically possible, 'bevölkert' usually implies a noticeable presence of people. For very small groups, you might prefer phrases like 'wenige Menschen' (few people) or 'spärlich bevölkert' (sparsely populated). However, 'wenig bevölkert' is a common and correct usage.
This idiom means the city is extremely crowded and overpopulated, literally 'bursting at the seams'. It's a more informal way to say a place is very, very densely populated.
You can say 'wenig bevölkert' or 'dünn bevölkert'.
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Summary
The German adjective 'bevölkert' signifies that a place has people living in it. It is used to describe the population status of cities, regions, countries, and other geographical areas. You can modify its meaning with adverbs like 'dicht' (densely) or 'wenig' (sparsely) to specify the population density. For example, 'Die Stadt ist dicht bevölkert.' means 'The city is densely populated.'
- Bevölkert means populated or inhabited by people.
- It's an adjective describing places with inhabitants.
- Use it to talk about cities, regions, or countries.
- Commonly used with adverbs like 'dicht' (densely) or 'wenig' (sparsely).
Adverb Power
Don't forget to use adverbs with 'bevölkert' to add detail. Think about 'dicht' (densely), 'wenig' (sparsely), 'stark' (heavily), 'mäßig' (moderately), and 'kaum' (hardly). This makes your descriptions much richer.
Adjective Endings
Remember that if 'bevölkert' comes before a noun, it needs an ending. For example, 'eine bevölkerte Stadt'. When it comes after 'ist' or 'wird', it usually doesn't need an ending: 'Die Stadt ist bevölkert.'
Folk Connection
Link 'bevölkert' to the English word 'folk' (people). If a place is 'be-folk-ered', it's full of folk, hence populated!
Geographical Focus
'Bevölkert' is primarily used for geographical locations – cities, countries, regions, islands, etc. It describes the human presence in these places.
Example
Diese Insel ist dünn bevölkert.
Related Content
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absteigen
A2to move downwards; to descend
anbauen
A2To cultivate plants or crops on land.
aufzeichnen
A2To record or write down information.
ausbrechen
A2to erupt, as a volcano; to break out, as a fire
belasten
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bergig
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besiedeln
A2to settle in a place; to colonize
bewaldet
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bewohnt
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