At the A1 level, you don't need to use 'Bestand' very often, but you might see it in simple shop contexts. Think of it as 'what is in the shop'. If you see a sign that says 'Bestand: 5', it means there are 5 of that item left. It is a masculine word: 'der Bestand'. You can think of it like the word 'stand' in English—it is what is 'standing' there in the store right now. Beginners should focus on the idea of 'how many are there'. For example, 'Der Bestand ist groß' (The stock is large) or 'Der Bestand ist klein' (The stock is small). It's a useful word to recognize when you are looking at websites to see if something is available to buy. Don't worry about the complex meanings yet; just remember it means 'the items we have right now'.
At the A2 level, you start to use 'Bestand' in more practical ways, especially if you are talking about work or shopping. You might learn that 'Bestand' refers to inventory. You can use it with verbs like 'haben' (to have) or 'prüfen' (to check). For example, 'Wir prüfen den Bestand' (We are checking the stock). You might also see it in compound words like 'Warenbestand' (stock of goods). At this level, you should also know that it's a masculine noun, so it's 'den Bestand' in the accusative case. If you work in a store or a warehouse, this word is very important. It's more formal than 'Sachen' (things). It tells people exactly how much of something is available in a professional way.
At the B1 level, 'Bestand' becomes more versatile. You will use it to talk about the environment, business, and even abstract ideas. You should know the phrase 'Bestand haben', which means 'to last' or 'to be valid'. For example, 'Unsere Freundschaft hat Bestand' means 'Our friendship lasts'. You will also use it to talk about populations of animals or people, like 'der Tierbestand' (the animal population). In business, you'll hear about 'Bestandskunden'—these are customers who have been with a company for a long time. You are now expected to use the word with prepositions, like 'ein Bestand an' (a stock of). This level is where you move from just 'counting things' to 'managing and discussing systems' using the word 'Bestand'.
At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'Bestand' in professional and academic discussions. You will encounter it in legal contexts, such as 'Bestandskraft' (legal validity) or 'Bestandsschutz' (protection of existing rights). You should be able to distinguish 'Bestand' from similar words like 'Vorrat' or 'Inventar' with precision. For instance, you would use 'Bestand' to discuss the total housing stock in a city ('Wohnungsbestand'). You should also be able to use the plural 'Bestände' when referring to multiple categories of inventory or different populations. At this level, your use of the word reflects a deeper understanding of German administrative and technical language. You might also use it in more sophisticated metaphors about things that endure over time.
At the C1 level, 'Bestand' is used with high frequency in specialized fields like economics, law, and environmental science. You will analyze 'Bestandsaufnahmen' (taking stock) not just of physical goods, but of political situations or social trends. You should understand the nuance of 'Bestand' in the context of 'Bauen im Bestand', which is a major architectural concept involving working with existing structures. Your vocabulary should include complex compounds like 'Kapitalbestand' (capital stock) or 'Datenbestand' (dataset). You should be able to use the word in formal writing to describe the continuity or existence of abstract concepts, ensuring that your choice of 'Bestand' over 'Existenz' or 'Vorkommen' is contextually perfect. At this level, 'Bestand' is a tool for precise, high-level communication.
At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'Bestand' and all its idiomatic and technical nuances. You can use it in philosophical discussions about what 'has Bestand' (what is permanent) versus what is 'flüchtig' (fleeting). You understand its role in historical linguistics and its relation to the verb 'bestehen' in all its meanings. You can navigate the most complex legal documents where 'Bestandsverzeichnisse' and 'Bestandsübertragungen' are discussed. You use the word with stylistic flair, perhaps in literature or high-level journalism, to evoke the sense of established reality or historical weight. For a C2 learner, 'Bestand' is no longer just a word for stock; it is a fundamental concept of existence and preservation in the German language.

Bestand em 30 segundos

  • Bestand refers to the current quantity or inventory of something, such as goods in a shop or animals in a forest.
  • It is a masculine noun (der Bestand) with the plural form 'die Bestände', often used in professional or formal contexts.
  • The idiomatic phrase 'Bestand haben' means to remain valid, to endure, or to continue existing over a period of time.
  • It is frequently found in compound words like Warenbestand (stock) or Tierbestand (population) to specify what is being measured.

The German noun Bestand is a multifaceted term that primarily refers to the quantity of items, goods, or resources currently available or in existence. At its core, it is derived from the verb bestehen (to exist, to consist, or to endure), which gives it a sense of permanence and current reality. In a business context, it is the standard word for 'stock' or 'inventory'. If you walk into a warehouse in Berlin, the manager isn't just looking at boxes; they are managing the Warenbestand. However, the word extends far beyond the shelves of a retail store. It describes the total number of a specific population, such as the Wildtierbestand (wildlife population) in a national park, or the collection of books in a library, known as the Buchbestand. When people use this word, they are usually referring to a measurable, existing amount of something that can be audited, counted, or preserved.

Business Logistics
In commercial settings, 'Bestand' is used to track assets. A company must perform a 'Bestandsaufnahme' (stock-taking) at the end of the fiscal year to ensure their physical inventory matches their digital records.
Environmental Science
Ecologists use the term to describe the health of a species. If the 'Fischbestand' (fish stock) in the Baltic Sea drops, it signals an ecological crisis requiring immediate intervention.
Legal and Abstract Endurance
The phrase 'Bestand haben' means to last or to remain valid. A law or a contract that 'Bestand hat' is one that withstands legal challenges and remains in force over time.

Wir müssen den aktuellen Bestand im Lager prüfen, bevor wir neue Ware bestellen.

Translation: We must check the current stock in the warehouse before ordering new goods.

Understanding 'Bestand' requires recognizing its nuance compared to 'Vorrat'. While 'Vorrat' often implies a supply kept for future use (like a pantry full of pasta), 'Bestand' is more formal and refers to the totality of what is present right now. For instance, a library's 'Bestand' includes all its books, even the ones currently on the shelves, whereas a 'Vorrat' of books might imply extra copies kept in the basement. It is a word of quantification and status. In legal terms, 'Bestandsschutz' is a crucial concept, referring to the protection of existing rights or buildings against new regulations. This highlights the word's connection to the idea of 'standing' or 'staying' (from the root stand).

Der Bestand der gefährdeten Elefanten hat sich in den letzten Jahren stabilisiert.

Nach der Fusion bleibt der Bestand an Arbeitsplätzen weitgehend erhalten.

Diese alte Tradition hat in unserem Dorf noch immer Bestand.

Das Museum verfügt über einen wertvollen Bestand an mittelalterlichen Handschriften.

Finally, 'Bestand' is used in academic and archival contexts. A 'Nachlass' (estate) of a famous writer becomes part of a library's 'Bestand'. Here, the word conveys a sense of preservation and historical continuity. It is not just a pile of papers; it is a curated, documented entity that exists within a larger system. Whether you are talking about the number of cars in a fleet (Fahrzeugbestand) or the enduring nature of a friendship, 'Bestand' provides the linguistic framework for discussing quantity and duration with precision.

Using Bestand correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role and its common pairings with verbs like haben, aufnehmen, and verwalten. As a masculine noun (der Bestand), it takes the usual endings for its case: des Bestandes (genitive), dem Bestand(e) (dative), and den Bestand (accusative). The plural form is die Bestände. Because it often refers to a collective quantity, you will frequently see it used with adjectives that describe size or health, such as gering (low), groß (large), stabil (stable), or gefährdet (endangered).

Verbal Phrases
'Bestand haben' is a fixed expression meaning 'to continue to exist' or 'to remain valid'. Example: 'Sein Versprechen hatte keinen Bestand' (His promise didn't last/wasn't kept).
Technical Actions
'Den Bestand aufnehmen' means to take inventory. This is an active process of counting and recording. 'Den Bestand verwalten' means to manage the inventory, often using software.

Der Bestand an Fachkräften in der Industrie nimmt stetig ab.

Translation: The stock of skilled workers in the industry is steadily decreasing.

When describing the content of something, we use the preposition 'an' followed by the dative case. For example, 'ein Bestand an Büchern' (a stock of books). This is the most common way to specify what the inventory consists of. In more formal or scientific writing, 'Bestand' might appear in the genitive: 'der Schutz des Bestandes' (the protection of the population). It is also worth noting that 'Bestand' is a frequent component of compound nouns, which German loves. Instead of saying 'the stock of cars', Germans say 'der Fahrzeugbestand'.

Wir führen eine Liste über alle Bestände in unseren Filialen.

Trotz der Krise hatte unser Vertrag weiterhin Bestand.

Der Bestand der Bibliothek umfasst über eine Million Bände.

In administrative German, you might encounter 'Bestandsverzeichnis', which is a register of assets. If you are renting an apartment, the 'Bestand' might refer to the fixtures and fittings included in the lease. In every case, the word implies a snapshot of what is currently there. It is static, yet subject to change through 'Abgang' (reduction/departure) or 'Zugang' (addition/arrival). By mastering these patterns, you can discuss everything from retail supply chains to the survival of ancient forests with the precision of a native speaker.

You will encounter Bestand in several distinct environments, ranging from the mundane to the highly specialized. It is a staple of the German professional world. If you work in a warehouse, a retail store, or an office, 'Bestand' is the word of the day whenever inventory is discussed. You'll hear it in morning meetings: 'Wie sieht der Bestand aus?' (What does the stock look like?). It's also prominent in the news, particularly when discussing the environment, economics, or legal rulings.

In the News
News anchors often report on the 'Wildtierbestand' (wildlife population) or the 'Wohnungsbestand' (housing stock). When a court makes a final decision, they might say the ruling 'hat Bestand' (stands/remains valid).
In Libraries and Archives
Librarians use 'Bestand' to refer to their entire collection. If you are looking for a rare book, you might ask, 'Ist dieses Buch Teil Ihres Bestandes?' (Is this book part of your collection?).

Der Bestand an bezahlbarem Wohnraum in München ist sehr gering.

Translation: The stock of affordable housing in Munich is very low.

Another common place to hear this word is in the context of 'Bestandskunden'. These are 'existing customers', as opposed to 'Neukunden' (new customers). Companies often offer special deals for their 'Bestandskunden' to reward loyalty. This usage highlights the 'existing' or 'established' aspect of the word. Furthermore, in construction and architecture, 'Bauen im Bestand' refers to renovating or expanding existing buildings rather than building something new from scratch. This is a huge topic in sustainable urban development.

Für unsere Bestandskunden haben wir dieses Jahr ein besonderes Angebot.

Die Denkmalschutzbehörde achtet auf den Erhalt des historischen Bestandes.

In the digital age, you might also see it on e-commerce websites. Next to a product, it might say 'Nur noch 3 Stück auf Bestand' (Only 3 pieces left in stock). However, 'auf Lager' is more common for physical shipping status, while 'Bestand' is used more in the backend management systems. Whenever you deal with data, numbers of people, or physical objects that need to be accounted for, 'Bestand' is the professional's choice.

While Bestand is a common word, English speakers often confuse it with other terms that translate to 'stock' or 'supply'. The most frequent mix-up is between Bestand, Lager, and Vorrat. While they are related, they are not interchangeable in many contexts. 'Lager' refers to the physical place (the warehouse) or the physical storage, while 'Bestand' refers to the quantity within that place. You can have a large 'Bestand' in a small 'Lager'.

Bestand vs. Vorrat
A 'Vorrat' is typically a supply kept for a specific purpose or emergency (like food supplies). 'Bestand' is a more neutral, administrative term for the total amount currently held.
Bestand vs. Aktie
In English, 'stock' can mean shares in a company. Never use 'Bestand' for this! Shares are 'Aktien'. 'Bestand' only refers to physical or numerical quantities of things or people.

Wrong: Ich habe Bestände von Apple gekauft.
Correct: Ich habe Aktien von Apple gekauft.

Note: 'Bestand' is not for the stock market.

Another mistake involves the phrase 'Bestand haben'. Learners sometimes try to use 'existieren' where 'Bestand haben' is more appropriate. While 'existieren' is a general term for existing, 'Bestand haben' implies a certain durability or legal validity. If a rule 'hat Bestand', it means it wasn't just made yesterday and won't be gone tomorrow; it has weight and permanence. Conversely, 'bestehen' is a verb, while 'Bestand' is the noun. Don't say 'Der Bestand von Wasser' if you mean 'The existence of water'; use 'Das Vorkommen von Wasser' or 'Die Existenz von Wasser'.

Wrong: Der Artikel ist aus Bestand.
Correct: Der Artikel ist nicht mehr vorrätig.

Finally, pay attention to the plural. 'Bestände' is often used when talking about diverse collections or populations. If you use the singular 'Bestand' for a complex group of different items, it might sound like you are treating them as one single mass. In professional inventory management, however, the singular 'Bestand' is often used as a collective noun. Just remember: 'Bestand' is about the *what* and the *how much* that is currently standing there.

To truly master Bestand, you should know its synonyms and how they differ in register and context. German is a language of precision, and choosing the right word for 'stock' or 'amount' can change the entire tone of your sentence. While 'Bestand' is formal and administrative, other words might be more suitable for casual conversation or specific industries.

Der Vorrat
This is your 'supply' or 'store'. Use this for things you've saved up for later, like food in a pantry or fuel in a tank. It has a more personal and practical feel than 'Bestand'.
Das Inventar
Often used for the list of items or the physical equipment of a business (like desks, chairs, and computers). While 'Bestand' is about quantities of goods, 'Inventar' is about the items themselves.
Die Menge
A general word for 'amount' or 'quantity'. It is less specific than 'Bestand' and doesn't imply that the items are being managed or tracked in an official capacity.

Wir haben einen großen Vorrat an Brennholz für den Winter.

Comparison: Here 'Vorrat' is better because it's a personal supply for future use.

In scientific contexts, you might use 'Population' when referring to animals, though 'Tierbestand' is very common. In financial contexts, 'Portfolio' or 'Depot' might be used for a 'Bestand' of securities or investments. The word 'Vorkommen' is used for natural occurrences, like a 'Vorkommen von Gold' (occurrence of gold), whereas 'Goldbestand' would refer to the gold bars sitting in a central bank's vault.

Das gesamte Inventar des Restaurants wurde versteigert.

Finally, consider the word 'Reserve'. While 'Bestand' is what you have on hand for normal operations, a 'Reserve' is something extra kept back for emergencies. If a store has a 'Bestand' of 100 milk cartons, they might have a 'Reserve' of 20 in the back that they don't count in the daily sales figures. Understanding these nuances will make your German sound much more natural and precise.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The word 'Bestand' and the English word 'existence' share a similar logical root: 'standing out' or 'standing there'. In German, 'Bestand' has a very physical, grounded feel compared to the more abstract 'Existenz'.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /bəˈʃtant/
US /bəˈʃtɑnt/
The stress is on the second syllable: be-STAND.
Rima com
Verstand Land Rand Sand Wand Band Hand Gewand
Erros comuns
  • Pronouncing 'st' as 'st' (like in 'stay') instead of 'sht' (like in 'shoe').
  • Pronouncing the final 'd' as a soft 'd' instead of a hard 't'.
  • Stressing the first syllable 'be-'.
  • Making the 'e' in 'be-' too long or like an 'ay' sound.
  • Confusing it with the English word 'best' because of the first four letters.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 3/5

Easy to recognize in context, though compounds can be long.

Escrita 4/5

Requires knowledge of masculine declension and correct prepositions (an + Dativ).

Expressão oral 3/5

Common in professional settings; pronunciation is straightforward if 'st' is handled correctly.

Audição 3/5

Clear pronunciation, but can be confused with 'Verstand' if not paying attention.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

stehen bestehen Lager Menge haben

Aprenda a seguir

Bestandteil Nachhaltigkeit Inventur Vorrat Bestandsschutz

Avançado

Bestandskraft Ontologie Ressourcenmanagement Bausubstanz

Gramática essencial

Masculine Noun Declension

Der Bestand (Nom), des Bestandes (Gen), dem Bestand (Dat), den Bestand (Acc).

Compound Noun Formation

Waren + Bestand = Warenbestand (The gender is determined by the last word).

Preposition 'an' with Dative

Ein Bestand an (dative) Waren.

Infinitive with 'zu' in set phrases

Es ist wichtig, den Bestand zu prüfen.

Passive Voice for processes

Der Bestand wird wöchentlich kontrolliert.

Exemplos por nível

1

Der Bestand im Laden ist klein.

The stock in the shop is small.

Bestand is the subject here (Nominative).

2

Hast du den Bestand gesehen?

Have you seen the stock?

Bestand is the direct object (Accusative: den Bestand).

3

Der Bestand an Äpfeln ist leer.

The stock of apples is empty.

Uses 'an' + Dative plural (Äpfeln).

4

Hier ist der Bestand.

Here is the stock.

Simple demonstrative sentence.

5

Mein Bestand an Stiften ist groß.

My stock of pens is large.

Possessive adjective 'Mein' modifying Bestand.

6

Wie ist der Bestand heute?

How is the stock today?

Interrogative sentence.

7

Wir brauchen mehr Bestand.

We need more stock.

Bestand as an uncountable-style noun here.

8

Der Bestand ist wichtig.

The stock is important.

Subject-predicate structure.

1

Wir müssen den Bestand im Lager prüfen.

We must check the stock in the warehouse.

Modal verb 'müssen' with infinitive 'prüfen'.

2

Der Warenbestand wird jeden Monat gezählt.

The stock of goods is counted every month.

Passive voice: 'wird ... gezählt'.

3

Gibt es noch einen Bestand an Milch?

Is there still a stock of milk?

Use of 'es gibt' with accusative 'einen Bestand'.

4

Der Bestand ist für uns sehr wertvoll.

The stock is very valuable to us.

Dative of interest: 'für uns'.

5

Können Sie den Bestand im Computer sehen?

Can you see the stock on the computer?

Prepositional phrase 'im Computer'.

6

Unser Bestand reicht für drei Tage.

Our stock lasts for three days.

Verb 'reichen' (to suffice).

7

Der Verkäufer kontrolliert den Bestand.

The seller controls the stock.

Transitive verb 'kontrolliert'.

8

Wir haben keinen Bestand an diesem Produkt.

We have no stock of this product.

Negation with 'keinen'.

1

Der Tierbestand in diesem Wald ist stabil.

The animal population in this forest is stable.

Compound noun: Tier + Bestand.

2

Diese alten Gesetze haben noch immer Bestand.

These old laws still remain valid.

Idiom: 'Bestand haben' (to endure/be valid).

3

Wir pflegen den Kontakt zu unseren Bestandskunden.

We maintain contact with our existing customers.

Compound: Bestand + s + Kunden.

4

Die Bibliothek hat ihren Bestand digitalisiert.

The library has digitized its collection.

Perfect tense with 'haben'.

5

Der Bestand an Fachkräften ist ein großes Problem.

The supply of skilled workers is a major problem.

Abstract use of Bestand for human resources.

6

Nach dem Feuer war der Bestand an Büchern zerstört.

After the fire, the stock of books was destroyed.

Passive state: 'war ... zerstört'.

7

Wir machen morgen eine Bestandsaufnahme.

We are doing an inventory check tomorrow.

Compound: Bestand + s + Aufnahme.

8

Der Bestand der Firma wurde verkauft.

The company's assets were sold.

Genitive case: 'der Firma'.

1

Der Denkmalschutz sorgt für den Erhalt des Bestandes.

The monument protection ensures the preservation of the existing structure.

Genitive: 'des Bestandes'.

2

Die Bestände der Zentralbank sind streng geheim.

The central bank's holdings are strictly secret.

Plural: 'Bestände'.

3

Das Urteil hat vor dem Obersten Gerichtshof Bestand.

The verdict holds up before the Supreme Court.

Legal context for 'Bestand haben'.

4

Wir müssen den Wohnungsbestand in der Stadt erhöhen.

We must increase the housing stock in the city.

Compound: Wohnung + s + Bestand.

5

Der Bestand an CO2 in der Atmosphäre steigt.

The amount of CO2 in the atmosphere is rising.

Scientific application of the term.

6

Die Firma garantiert den Bestand der Arbeitsplätze.

The company guarantees the continuation of the jobs.

Genitive plural: 'der Arbeitsplätze'.

7

Diese Regelung genießt Bestandsschutz.

This regulation enjoys protection of existing rights.

Compound: Bestand + s + Schutz.

8

Der Fischbestand ist durch Überfischung gefährdet.

The fish stock is endangered by overfishing.

Compound: Fisch + Bestand.

1

Die Bestandsaufnahme der politischen Lage war ernüchternd.

The assessment of the political situation was sobering.

Metaphorical use of 'Bestandsaufnahme'.

2

Bauen im Bestand ist oft teurer als ein Neubau.

Building within existing structures is often more expensive than a new building.

Technical architectural term.

3

Der Bestand an Goldreserven sichert die Währung ab.

The stock of gold reserves backs the currency.

Economic context.

4

Wir müssen die Bestände der Archive besser erschließen.

We must make the archive collections more accessible.

Verb 'erschließen' (to make accessible/develop).

5

Das Unternehmen verfügt über einen beachtlichen Datenbestand.

The company possesses a considerable dataset.

Compound: Daten + Bestand.

6

Seine Argumente hatten bei der Prüfung keinen Bestand.

His arguments did not hold up during the examination.

Abstract use of 'Bestand haben'.

7

Die ökologische Vielfalt hängt vom Bestand der Wälder ab.

Ecological diversity depends on the health of the forests.

Verb 'abhängen von' + Dative.

8

Der Bestand an liquiden Mitteln ist besorgniserregend.

The level of liquid assets is worrying.

Financial terminology.

1

Die ontologische Frage nach dem Bestand der Dinge ist alt.

The ontological question regarding the existence of things is old.

Philosophical use (Bestand as 'being/essence').

2

Das Werk hat über Jahrhunderte hinweg Bestand gehabt.

The work has endured over centuries.

Perfect tense of 'Bestand haben'.

3

Man muss den Bestand an kulturellem Erbe bewahren.

One must preserve the stock of cultural heritage.

Abstract collective noun.

4

Die Bestandsübertragung wurde notariell beglaubigt.

The transfer of assets was notarized.

Legal/Bureaucratic compound.

5

Diese Theorie hat angesichts neuer Daten keinen Bestand mehr.

This theory is no longer valid in light of new data.

Idiomatic use in academic discourse.

6

Der Bestand an moralischen Werten erodiert in der Moderne.

The stock of moral values is eroding in modernity.

Metaphorical/Sociological use.

7

Die Bestandsverzeichnisse der Klöster sind wertvolle Quellen.

The inventory registers of the monasteries are valuable sources.

Historical/Archival context.

8

Es gilt, den Bestand der Demokratie gegen Angriffe zu verteidigen.

It is necessary to defend the existence of democracy against attacks.

Political rhetoric.

Colocações comuns

Bestand haben
den Bestand aufnehmen
Bestand an Fachkräften
im Bestand führen
Bestand schützen
Bestand verwalten
Bestand prüfen
Bestand erhöhen
Bestand reduzieren
Bestand sichern

Frases Comuns

Bestandsaufnahme machen

— To take stock or evaluate a situation. Used both for physical inventory and abstract assessments.

Wir müssen eine Bestandsaufnahme unserer Beziehung machen.

Bauen im Bestand

— Construction or renovation work on existing buildings. A technical architectural term.

Bauen im Bestand erfordert viel Erfahrung mit alter Bausubstanz.

Bestandskunde sein

— To be an existing or long-term customer of a company.

Als Bestandskunde erhalten Sie bei uns 10 Prozent Rabatt.

Bestandsschutz genießen

— To have legal protection for an existing state or structure against new laws.

Das alte Haus genießt Bestandsschutz und muss nicht abgerissen werden.

Ein fester Bestand

— A fixed or permanent part of something.

Das Sommerfest ist ein fester Bestand unseres Dorflebens.

Den Bestand gefährden

— To put the existence or quantity of something at risk.

Die neue Straße könnte den Bestand der seltenen Vögel gefährden.

Bestand an Wissen

— The total amount of knowledge available in a field or group.

Der Bestand an medizinischem Wissen verdoppelt sich alle paar Jahre.

Bestand halten

— Similar to 'Bestand haben', meaning to withstand or hold up.

Seine Theorie konnte der Kritik nicht Bestand halten.

Bestandspflege betreiben

— To maintain or look after existing assets or customers.

Die Bank betreibt intensive Bestandspflege bei ihren Großkunden.

Über den Bestand hinaus

— Going beyond what is currently available or existing.

Wir planen Investitionen, die über den aktuellen Bestand hinausgehen.

Frequentemente confundido com

Bestand vs Aktie

English speakers use 'stock' for shares, but German uses 'Aktie'. 'Bestand' is only for inventory.

Bestand vs Lager

'Lager' is the place (warehouse), 'Bestand' is the quantity of goods inside it.

Bestand vs Vorrat

'Vorrat' is a supply for later; 'Bestand' is the official current total.

Expressões idiomáticas

"Bestand haben"

— To endure, last, or remain valid over time. This is the most important idiomatic use.

Wahre Liebe hat immer Bestand.

Neutral to Formal
"Eine Bestandsaufnahme machen"

— To evaluate where one stands in life or a project. Metaphorical use of inventory taking.

Nach dem Streit machten sie eine Bestandsaufnahme ihrer Ehe.

Neutral
"Bestandteil sein von"

— To be an integral part or component of something larger.

Sport ist ein wichtiger Bestandteil meines Lebens.

Neutral
"Keinen Bestand haben"

— To be fleeting, invalid, or unable to withstand pressure/time.

Diese Lügen werden vor Gericht keinen Bestand haben.

Formal
"Im Bestand"

— Referring to something that is currently held or owned.

Wir haben noch drei Oldtimer im Bestand.

Neutral
"Bestandsschutz haben"

— To be legally 'grandfathered' in; protected from new regulations.

Die Garage hat Bestandsschutz, obwohl sie zu nah am Nachbarn steht.

Legal/Formal
"Den Bestand lüften"

— A rare/informal way to say one is clearing out old stock.

Wir müssen mal unseren Bestand lüften und Platz schaffen.

Informal
"Auf Bestand fahren"

— In logistics, to operate based purely on what is currently in the warehouse.

Wegen des Streiks fahren wir momentan nur auf Bestand.

Technical
"Bestandswahrung"

— The act of preserving what currently exists.

Die Politik der Bestandswahrung verhindert oft Innovationen.

Political/Academic
"Bestandskraft erlangen"

— When a legal decision becomes final and cannot be challenged anymore.

Der Bescheid hat gestern Bestandskraft erlangt.

Legal

Fácil de confundir

Bestand vs Verstand

Sounds very similar to Bestand.

Verstand means 'intellect' or 'mind'. Bestand means 'stock' or 'existence'.

Er hat einen scharfen Verstand, aber sein Warenbestand ist klein.

Bestand vs Zustand

Both end in -stand.

Zustand means 'condition' or 'state' (how something is). Bestand is 'inventory' (how much there is).

Der Zustand der Ware ist gut, aber der Bestand ist niedrig.

Bestand vs Gegenstand

Both end in -stand.

Gegenstand means 'object' or 'item'. Bestand is the collective quantity.

Jeder Gegenstand im Laden gehört zum Bestand.

Bestand vs Abstand

Both end in -stand.

Abstand means 'distance' or 'gap'.

Halten Sie Abstand vom Warenbestand!

Bestand vs Umstand

Both end in -stand.

Umstand means 'circumstance'.

Unter diesen Umständen ist der Bestand sicher.

Padrões de frases

A1

Der Bestand ist [Adjective].

Der Bestand ist klein.

A2

Wir prüfen den [Noun]bestand.

Wir prüfen den Warenbestand.

B1

Es gibt einen Bestand an [Dative Plural].

Es gibt einen Bestand an Büchern.

B1

[Subject] hat Bestand.

Das Gesetz hat Bestand.

B2

Der Bestand an [Noun] nimmt [Verb] zu/ab.

Der Bestand an Fachkräften nimmt stetig ab.

C1

Unter Berücksichtigung des aktuellen Bestandes...

Unter Berücksichtigung des aktuellen Bestandes müssen wir handeln.

C1

Bauen im Bestand erfordert...

Bauen im Bestand erfordert technisches Know-how.

C2

Die ontologische Qualität des Bestandes...

Die ontologische Qualität des Bestandes wird oft unterschätzt.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

Bestandteil
Bestandsaufnahme
Bestandskunde
Bestandsverzeichnis
Bestandsschutz
Warenbestand
Tierbestand
Lagerbestand

Verbos

bestehen
fortbestehen
beistehen
zugestehen

Adjetivos

beständig
bestandsgefährdet
bestandsorientiert

Relacionado

Stand
Standort
Zustand
Umstand
Gegenstand

Como usar

frequency

High in business, environmental science, and law.

Erros comuns
  • Using 'Bestand' for stock market shares. Ich habe Aktien gekauft.

    In English, 'stock' means shares. In German, 'Bestand' only means inventory or existence. Shares are always 'Aktien'.

  • Using 'Bestand' as a feminine noun. Der Bestand ist groß.

    Many learners think nouns ending in -d might be feminine, but 'Bestand' is masculine. Use 'der/den/dem'.

  • Saying 'aus Bestand' for out of stock. Nicht vorrätig / Ausverkauft.

    German doesn't use 'Bestand' in the prepositional phrase for 'out of stock'. Use 'vorrätig' (available) with a negation.

  • Confusing 'Bestand' with 'Stand'. Der aktuelle Bestand ist...

    While 'Stand' can mean 'status', 'Bestand' specifically refers to the quantity or the existence of a collection.

  • Using 'Bestand' for a single item's existence. Die Existenz des Problems.

    For the abstract existence of a single problem or person, use 'Existenz'. 'Bestand' is for quantities or endurance of rules.

Dicas

Masculine Gender

Always remember 'Bestand' is masculine. This is important for articles and adjectives. Say 'der große Bestand' and 'den Bestand prüfen'.

Bestand vs. Vorrat

Use 'Bestand' for official or counted totals. Use 'Vorrat' for things you saved for yourself, like snacks or winter wood.

Business Context

In a professional German environment, use 'Bestand' to sound competent when talking about resources or inventory.

Endurance

Use 'Bestand haben' to talk about things that last. It's a very elegant way to say something is durable or valid.

Build Compounds

You can attach almost any noun to '-bestand' to describe a specific stock. Examples: Buchbestand, Holzbestand, Geldbestand.

Precision

In academic writing, use 'Bestand' to refer to the current state of a collection or population for maximum clarity.

Pronunciation

Practice the 'sht' sound in the middle. It's not 'be-stand' like in English, but 'be-schtand'.

Grandfathering

If you are dealing with German bureaucracy, learn 'Bestandsschutz'. It's your best friend when laws change.

Online Shopping

Look for the word 'Bestand' on German websites to see if an item is available before you go to the store.

Ecology

Use 'Bestand' when talking about forests or wildlife populations to sound like a native environmentalist.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of 'Bestand' as what is 'BEing STANDing' there. If you look at a shelf, the items that are currently standing there are the 'Bestand'.

Associação visual

Imagine a warehouse manager standing (Stand) in front of a giant stack of boxes. He is checking his 'Bestand'.

Word Web

Lager Inventar Bestehen Dauer Menge Vorrat Gültigkeit Bestandteil

Desafio

Try to find three things in your house today and name their 'Bestand' in German. For example: 'Mein Bestand an Kaffee ist niedrig.' (My stock of coffee is low.)

Origem da palavra

Derived from the Middle High German word 'bestant', which comes from the verb 'bestehen' (to stand firm, to endure, to exist). The prefix 'be-' often indicates a state or a relationship to an object.

Significado original: Originally, it referred to the act of 'standing by' something or the state of something 'standing firm' or 'remaining'.

Germanic, related to the English word 'stand'.

Contexto cultural

There are no major sensitivities, but when discussing 'Tierbestände' (animal populations), it is often in the context of conservation or hunting, which can be sensitive topics depending on the audience.

English speakers should be careful not to use 'Bestand' for financial stocks (shares), which are 'Aktien'. In English, 'stock' is a very broad word; in German, 'Bestand' is more specific to physical or numerical inventory.

The term 'Bestandsschutz' is frequently used in German news regarding the preservation of historic buildings in cities like Berlin or Munich. The 'Roten Listen' (Red Lists) in Germany track the 'Bestand' of endangered species. In German philosophy, the concept of 'Bestand' was famously analyzed by Martin Heidegger in his critique of technology.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Logistics & Warehousing

  • Lagerbestand prüfen
  • Bestandsliste führen
  • Warenabgang buchen
  • Inventur machen

Environmental Protection

  • Artenschutz und Bestandsicherung
  • Wildtierbestand zählen
  • Überfischung der Bestände
  • Bestandsrückgang stoppen

Business & Sales

  • Bestandskunden pflegen
  • Bestandsverwaltung optimieren
  • Restbestände verkaufen
  • Bestandsrisiko minimieren

Law & Administration

  • Bestandskraft erlangen
  • Bestandsschutz genießen
  • Bestandsverzeichnis anlegen
  • Rechtlicher Bestand

Libraries & Museums

  • Buchbestand erweitern
  • Archivbestände sichten
  • Bestandskatalog erstellen
  • Erhalt des Bestandes

Iniciadores de conversa

"Wie groß ist eigentlich der Bestand an Büchern in deiner persönlichen Bibliothek?"

"Glaubst du, dass traditionelle Zeitungen in zehn Jahren noch Bestand haben werden?"

"Arbeitest du in deinem Job oft mit Bestandslisten oder Inventur?"

"Was tust du, wenn dein Bestand an Lebensmitteln am Sonntag leer ist?"

"Wie kann man den Tierbestand in unseren Städten besser schützen?"

Temas para diário

Mache eine Bestandsaufnahme deines Lebens: Was läuft gut und was möchtest du ändern?

Beschreibe den Bestand an Dingen in deinem Zimmer. Was ist dir am wichtigsten?

Denke an eine alte Tradition in deiner Familie. Hat sie heute noch Bestand?

Welche Ressourcen (Zeit, Geld, Energie) hast du momentan im Bestand und wie verwaltest du sie?

Schreibe über die Bedeutung von Bestandsschutz in der modernen Architektur.

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Yes, but usually in a professional or statistical context. For example, 'Personalbestand' refers to the total number of employees in a company. It's not used to refer to a casual group of friends.

'Bestand' is the noun for the stock itself. 'Inventur' is the process of taking inventory (counting the stock). You do an 'Inventur' to find out your 'Bestand'.

You usually don't use 'Bestand' for this. You say 'nicht vorrätig' or 'ausverkauft'. You could say 'Der Bestand ist null', but that sounds very technical.

No, it can be abstract. 'Bestand haben' refers to the validity of a law or the endurance of a feeling. 'Datenbestand' refers to digital data.

It refers to construction work on existing buildings. This includes renovations, extensions, or modernization of structures that are already standing.

No, but it is often used in the plural when referring to different types of stock or several distinct populations (e.g., 'die Fischbestände der Weltmeere').

It is very common in work environments, news reports, and when shopping online. In casual daily conversation, people might use 'Vorrat' or 'Sachen' more often.

Not really. Use 'Kontostand' or 'Guthaben'. 'Bestand' would only be used in very formal banking terminology (e.g., 'Wertpapierbestand').

It is a legal principle that protects an existing situation from being affected by new laws. For example, if you built a house legally in 1950, but laws changed in 2000, you don't have to tear it down because you have 'Bestandsschutz'.

It becomes 'Warenbestände'. All compounds with 'Bestand' follow the same plural pattern.

Teste-se 200 perguntas

writing

Write a sentence using 'Bestand' to describe a library's collection.

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writing

Translate: 'We must check the stock.'

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writing

Write a sentence with the phrase 'Bestand haben'.

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writing

Describe the population of birds in a forest using 'Bestand'.

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writing

Explain 'Bestandskunde' in one sentence.

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writing

Translate: 'The animal population is endangered.'

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writing

Write a sentence about a warehouse using 'Lagerbestand'.

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Use 'Bestandsaufnahme' in a metaphorical sense.

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writing

Translate: 'This rule is no longer valid.' (Use Bestand)

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writing

Write a sentence about your personal stock of coffee.

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writing

Translate: 'The library is digitizing its collection.'

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writing

Write a sentence using the plural 'Bestände'.

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writing

Translate: 'Building within existing structures is modern.'

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writing

Use 'Bestandsteil' in a sentence.

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writing

Translate: 'We have no stock of this item.'

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writing

Write a sentence about 'Bestandsschutz'.

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writing

Translate: 'The stock of skilled workers is low.'

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writing

Use 'Bestand' in a question.

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Translate: 'The company is selling its assets.'

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writing

Write a sentence about 'Fischbestand'.

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speaking

Say: 'Der Bestand ist groß.'

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Say: 'Wir prüfen den Warenbestand.'

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Say: 'Diese Regel hat Bestand.'

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Say: 'Wie viele Artikel sind im Bestand?'

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Say: 'Wir machen eine Bestandsaufnahme.'

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Say: 'Der Fischbestand ist gefährdet.'

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Say: 'Bestandskunden sind wichtig.'

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Say: 'Das Haus hat Bestandsschutz.'

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Say: 'Der Bestand an Büchern wächst.'

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Say: 'Wir verwalten den Lagerbestand.'

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Say: 'Wahre Freundschaft hat Bestand.'

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Say: 'Der Personalbestand sinkt.'

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Say: 'Gibt es noch Bestand an Milch?'

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Say: 'Die Bestände sind sicher.'

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Say: 'Bauen im Bestand ist teuer.'

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Say: 'Der Bestand an Wissen ist groß.'

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Say: 'Wir führen eine Liste über den Bestand.'

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Say: 'Der Tierbestand im Zoo ist stabil.'

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Say: 'Bestandskraft ist ein juristischer Begriff.'

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Say: 'Wir müssen den Bestand sichern.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Der Bestand ist leer.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Wir prüfen den Lagerbestand.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Das Gesetz hat Bestand.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Ein Bestand an Büchern.'

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Listen and write: 'Bestandskunden erhalten Rabatt.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Der Fischbestand sinkt.'

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Listen and write: 'Wir machen eine Bestandsaufnahme.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Das Haus genießt Bestandsschutz.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Der Warenbestand ist hoch.'

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Listen and write: 'Die Bestände der Archive.'

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Listen and write: 'Bauen im Bestand.'

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Listen and write: 'Wahre Liebe hat Bestand.'

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Listen and write: 'Der Bestand an Fachkräften.'

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Listen and write: 'Den Bestand digital verwalten.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Der Tierbestand erholt sich.'

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/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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