At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to express basic facts. While 'betragen' is slightly advanced for absolute beginners, you might encounter it when looking at a receipt or a simple weather report. At this stage, you should understand that 'betragen' is like a more formal version of 'sein' (to be) or 'kosten' (to cost) when used with numbers. You don't need to produce complex sentences with it yet, but recognizing it in a sentence like 'Der Preis beträgt 5 Euro' is very helpful. It tells you 'The price is 5 Euro'. Focus on the fact that it links a category (like price or temperature) to a specific number. You might see it on signs in shops or in simple reading exercises about a person's height or age in a formal profile. It is a 'signal' word that a quantity is coming next.
At the A2 level, 'betragen' becomes a core part of your vocabulary for describing the world around you. You are expected to talk about the weather, your daily routine, and shopping in more detail. You should start using 'beträgt' (the third-person singular) to describe temperatures ('Die Temperatur beträgt 20 Grad'), distances ('Der Weg beträgt 2 Kilometer'), and costs ('Die Miete beträgt 400 Euro'). You should also learn that it is a strong verb, meaning the 'a' changes to 'ä' in the present tense for 'er/sie/es'. This level is where you transition from saying 'The price is...' to 'The price amounts to...', making your German sound more authentic and less like a literal translation from English. You should also be able to ask simple questions like 'Wie hoch beträgt die Gebühr?'.
By B1, you are expected to handle more abstract and professional situations. 'Betragen' is essential for giving presentations, writing reports, or discussing statistics. You should use it to describe trends ('Die Steigerung beträgt 10 Prozent') and more complex measurements. At this level, you should also be comfortable using the simple past 'betrug' when narrating facts from the past, such as in a history lesson or a business report about last year's performance. You will also start to distinguish 'betragen' from its synonyms like 'sich belaufen auf' or 'liegen bei'. You should understand that 'betragen' is the most neutral and factual choice. Your sentences will become more complex, incorporating adverbs like 'insgesamt', 'ungefähr', or 'mindestens' to qualify the amounts you are discussing.
At the B2 level, you use 'betragen' with precision and stylistic awareness. You are likely reading newspapers, technical manuals, or academic texts where this verb appears frequently. You should be able to use it in the subjunctive (Konjunktiv II) for hypothetical scenarios ('Die Kosten würden etwa 1000 Euro betragen') or in formal passive-like structures, although 'betragen' itself doesn't have a passive. You also start to encounter the reflexive 'sich betragen' in literature or very formal contexts, meaning 'to behave', and you should be able to distinguish it from the quantitative meaning instantly based on context. Your vocabulary is now rich enough to use 'betragen' to describe not just simple numbers, but complex ratios, proportions, and scientific data points without hesitation.
At the C1 level, 'betragen' is a tool for nuanced expression. You use it to provide exact data in professional environments, such as during a high-level business negotiation or a scientific defense. You understand the subtle difference in register between 'betragen' and 'sich belaufen auf', choosing the latter when you want to emphasize the cumulative nature of a sum. You are also familiar with the noun form 'der Betrag' (the amount) and how it relates to the verb. You can use 'betragen' in complex grammatical structures, such as within relative clauses or extended participle constructions ('Die sich auf 500 Euro belaufenden Kosten...' vs 'Die Kosten, die 500 Euro betragen...'). Your understanding of the verb is deep enough to appreciate its historical roots and its place in the formal hierarchy of the German language.
For C2 learners, 'betragen' is second nature. You use it with the same ease as a native speaker, perfectly matching the register of your surroundings. You might use the reflexive 'sich betragen' in a literary analysis or when reading 19th-century German prose, where it was more common than today. You have a mastery of all its forms, including rare uses in the subjunctive I for indirect speech in journalism ('Der Sprecher sagte, die Summe betrage...'). You can discuss the etymology of the word, linking 'tragen' (to carry) to the concept of carrying a value or carrying oneself (behavior). At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a flexible building block in your sophisticated command of German rhetoric and formal writing.

betragen 30秒了解

  • Betragen means 'to amount to' and is used to state numerical values like prices, distances, and temperatures.
  • It is a strong verb: the third person singular is 'beträgt' and the simple past is 'betrug'.
  • It is more formal than 'sein' or 'kosten' and is common in news, business, and science.
  • The reflexive form 'sich betragen' means 'to behave', but this is less common than the quantitative use.

The German verb betragen is a foundational word in the German language, primarily used to express quantitative values, measurements, and numerical sums. At its core, it translates to "to amount to," "to be," or "to come to" in the context of figures. Unlike the simple verb "sein" (to be), which can be used for any state of existence, betragen specifically signals that a numerical value is being reported. It is a formal yet very common verb found in everyday life, from checking the weather forecast to reviewing a bank statement or reading a scientific report. When you use betragen, you are providing a specific data point. It is almost always followed by a number and a unit of measurement, such as Euros, meters, degrees, or percentages. In the German mind, this verb bridges the gap between an object and its measurable properties. For example, if you are discussing the height of a mountain, the cost of a dinner, or the current temperature in Berlin, betragen is your go-to verb to sound precise and natural. It is also important to note that this verb is "stark" (strong), meaning its stem changes in the past tense (betrug) and the past participle (betragen). While its most common use is quantitative, learners should be aware of its reflexive form sich betragen, which means "to behave," though this is significantly more formal and less frequent in modern spoken German. In the quantitative sense, it is an essential tool for anyone moving beyond basic A1 German into the more descriptive and factual territory of A2 and B1 levels.

Financial Context
When dealing with money, betragen is used to state the total sum of an invoice, a debt, or a balance. It provides a formal tone that is preferred in business correspondence over the more colloquial 'kosten' (to cost). For instance, 'Die Rechnung beträgt 50 Euro' sounds more professional than 'Die Rechnung ist 50 Euro'.

Die Gesamtkosten für das Projekt betragen rund zwei Millionen Euro.

Scientific and Meteorological Context
In weather reports, the verb is ubiquitous for describing temperatures, rainfall amounts, or wind speeds. Similarly, in science, it describes distances, weights, or dimensions. 'Die Temperatur beträgt heute 25 Grad' is the standard way to report the weather accurately.

Die Entfernung zwischen den beiden Städten beträgt genau einhundert Kilometer.

Statistical Context
When discussing percentages or statistical growth, betragen is the standard choice. It allows the speaker to present facts objectively. For example, 'Die Arbeitslosenquote beträgt fünf Prozent' (The unemployment rate amounts to five percent).

Der Anteil der erneuerbaren Energien beträgt mittlerweile über vierzig Prozent.

Die Wartezeit am Flughafen betrug gestern mehr als drei Stunden.

Wie hoch beträgt die Miete für diese Wohnung eigentlich?

Using betragen correctly requires understanding its sentence structure, which is typically quite rigid. The subject of the sentence is the item or category being measured (e.g., the price, the length, the speed), and the direct object is the value itself. Because it is a strong verb, you must pay attention to the stem change in the third person singular present tense: er/sie/es beträgt. This is the most common form you will encounter, as the subjects are almost always inanimate objects or abstract concepts. In the simple past, it becomes betrug, and in the perfect tense, it uses haben with the past participle betragen. For example, 'Die Verspätung hat zwanzig Minuten betragen'. While this perfect tense construction is grammatically correct, in spoken and written German, the present tense or simple past is much more frequent because facts are usually presented as either currently true or historically fixed.

Describing Dimensions
When talking about physical size, betragen connects the dimension (Länge, Breite, Höhe) to the number. You wouldn't say 'Die Höhe ist 10 Meter' as often as 'Die Höhe beträgt 10 Meter' in a technical or descriptive context.

Die Breite des Tisches beträgt achtzig Zentimeter.

Asking Questions
To ask about a value using betragen, we often use the interrogative 'Wie hoch' (How high) or 'Wie viel'. 'Wie hoch beträgt die Gebühr?' is a common way to ask about official costs.

Wie hoch beträgt die aktuelle Geschwindigkeit des Zuges?

Expressing Estimates
You can combine betragen with adverbs like 'ungefähr' (approximately), 'etwa' (about), or 'knapp' (scarcely/just under) to give less precise figures.

Die Einwohnerzahl der Stadt beträgt etwa eine Million.

Der Preisunterschied beträgt lediglich zwei Euro.

Das Mindestalter für diesen Film beträgt sechzehn Jahre.

You will hear betragen in almost every factual or informative setting in Germany. It is a staple of the 'Tagesschau' (the national news), where newsreaders use it to describe economic growth, budget deficits, or demographic shifts. If you are listening to a weather forecast on the radio while driving on the Autobahn, the announcer will likely say, 'Die Höchsttemperaturen betragen heute...' (The maximum temperatures today are...). In a retail environment, while 'kosten' is used for the price of a single item, 'betragen' is often used by the cashier or on a digital screen to indicate the Gesamtbetrag (total amount) of your purchase. It is also very common in academic lectures, where professors present data, and in corporate meetings when discussing quarterly results. Essentially, anywhere numbers are analyzed or reported, betragen is present. It provides a level of precision and formality that signals the speaker is providing objective information rather than subjective opinion. Even in casual settings, if someone is trying to be precise about a distance or a duration, they might switch from 'ist' to 'beträgt' to emphasize the accuracy of their statement.

In the Media
Journalists use this verb to ground their stories in facts. Whether it's the number of participants at a demonstration or the depth of a flood, betragen is the standard choice for reporting these figures.

Die Zahl der Teilnehmer betrug laut Polizeiangaben mehrere Tausend.

At the Bank or Office
In financial transactions, 'betragen' is used to define the scope of a payment. You will see it on invoices (Rechnungen) or bank statements (Kontoauszüge) constantly.

Ihr aktueller Kontostand beträgt vierhundert Euro.

Travel and Logistics
Whether it's the length of a flight or the weight of your luggage, logistics companies and travel agencies rely on this verb to communicate limits and realities.

Das zulässige Gesamtgewicht beträgt zwanzig Kilogramm pro Koffer.

Die Flugzeit beträgt voraussichtlich zwei Stunden und zehn Minuten.

Der Abstand zum nächsten Fahrzeug betrug nur wenige Meter.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with betragen is using it where a simple 'sein' or 'kosten' would be more appropriate, or vice versa. While 'betragen' is formal, it shouldn't be used for qualitative descriptions. You cannot say 'Die Aussicht beträgt schön' because beauty isn't a numerical value. Another common error is forgetting the stem change: many learners say 'es betragt' instead of 'es beträgt'. This 'Umlaut' is crucial for correct grammar. Additionally, learners often confuse 'betragen' with 'belaufen'. While 'sich belaufen auf' is a synonym, it is reflexive and requires the preposition 'auf'. Saying 'Die Kosten betragen auf 100 Euro' is incorrect; it must be 'Die Kosten betragen 100 Euro' or 'Die Kosten belaufen sich auf 100 Euro'. Confusion also arises with the verb 'ausmachen'. 'Ausmachen' can mean 'to amount to' in a more colloquial sense, but it has many other meanings (like 'to turn off' or 'to matter'), so stick to 'betragen' for factual reporting until you are more comfortable with idiomatic German. Finally, don't confuse the quantitative 'betragen' with the reflexive 'sich betragen' (to behave). If you say 'Er beträgt 50 Euro', you are saying he costs 50 Euro, which is likely not what you mean if you are trying to describe his behavior!

Mistake: Wrong Prepositions
Learners often want to add 'zu' or 'auf' after betragen because they translate literally from other languages. Remember: betragen takes a direct object (the number) without a preposition.

Falsch: Die Miete beträgt auf 500 Euro.
Richtig: Die Miete beträgt 500 Euro.

Mistake: Conjugation Errors
The third-person singular is the most used form. Forgetting the umlaut (ä) makes the sentence sound 'broken' to native ears.

Falsch: Der Preis betragt viel.
Richtig: Der Preis beträgt viel (or better: eine hohe Summe).

Confusing with 'kosten'
Use 'kosten' for items (The bread costs...) and 'betragen' for the abstract sum (The total amounts to...).

Das Brot kostet drei Euro.
Die Rechnung beträgt drei Euro.

Die Geschwindigkeit beträgt 50 km/h (Not: ist 50 km/h, though understood, it's less precise).

Die Tiefe des Wassers beträgt zwei Meter.

German has several verbs that overlap with betragen, each with its own nuance and register. The most direct synonym is sich belaufen auf. This is often used in business contexts and emphasizes that a total has been reached through the addition of several parts. It is more complex because it is reflexive and requires the preposition 'auf' plus the accusative. Another common alternative is liegen bei. This is very popular in spoken German and news reporting when discussing prices, temperatures, or percentages. For example, 'Die Temperatur liegt bei 20 Grad'. It feels slightly less clinical than 'betragen'. For totals, you might also hear ausmachen, which is more colloquial. 'Das macht zusammen 10 Euro aus' is something you'd hear at a market. In a more technical or mathematical context, ergeben (to result in) is used when a calculation leads to a sum. For example, 'Zwei plus zwei ergibt vier'. While 'betragen' describes the state of the value, 'ergeben' describes the outcome of a process. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right tone for your conversation or writing.

betragen vs. sich belaufen auf
'Betragen' is the direct statement of a value. 'Sich belaufen auf' often implies a total sum calculated from various items.
Example: Die Kosten betragen 100 Euro. vs. Die Kosten belaufen sich auf insgesamt 100 Euro.
betragen vs. liegen bei
'Liegen bei' is slightly more informal and very common in media. It suggests a position on a scale.
Example: Die Inflationsrate liegt bei drei Prozent.

Der Schaden beläuft sich auf mehrere tausend Euro.

Der Preis für Benzin liegt zurzeit bei 1,80 Euro.

Das macht insgesamt 50 Euro aus.

Summary Table
  • betragen: Standard, formal, numerical values.
  • sich belaufen auf: Formal, totals, business context.
  • liegen bei: Common, news/media, scale positions.
  • ausmachen: Colloquial, totaling up.
  • ergeben: Result of a calculation.

How Formal Is It?

趣味小知识

The link between 'carrying' and 'amounting to' exists in English too, if you think of how a sum 'carries' a certain weight or value. In the 18th century, 'betragen' was used more for behavior than for numbers.

发音指南

UK /bəˈtʁaːɡn̩/
US /bəˈtʁɑːɡən/
The stress is on the second syllable: be-TRA-gen.
押韵词
sagen fragen wagen tragen schlagen klagen nagen jagen
常见错误
  • Stressing the first syllable (BE-tragen is wrong).
  • Pronouncing the 'a' short (it should be long).
  • Forgetting the stem change to 'beträgt' in the third person singular.
  • Confusing it with 'betrügen' (to cheat/deceive), which has an 'ü'.
  • Pronouncing the 'g' like an English 'j'.

难度评级

阅读 2/5

Easy to recognize in context as it's usually followed by numbers.

写作 3/5

Requires remembering the stem change and the fact that it's a strong verb.

口语 3/5

Learners often default to 'sein', so using 'betragen' takes conscious effort.

听力 2/5

Clear pronunciation and usually followed by distinctive numerical data.

接下来学什么

前置知识

tragen kosten sein Zahl Preis

接下来学习

sich belaufen auf liegen bei ergeben der Betrag das Verhalten

高级

beträchtlich beantragen übertragen vertragen

需要掌握的语法

Strong Verbs (Starke Verben)

betragen -> beträgt (Präsens) -> betrug (Präteritum) -> hat betragen (Perfekt)

Accusative Objects

Die Miete beträgt [einen hohen Betrag].

Reflexive Verbs

Er beträgt [sich] gut.

Compound Nouns with 'Betrag'

Der Rechnungsbetrag, der Gesamtbetrag.

Asking for amounts with 'Wie hoch'

Wie hoch beträgt die Gebühr?

按水平分级的例句

1

Der Preis beträgt 10 Euro.

The price amounts to 10 Euro.

Simple present tense, third person singular.

2

Die Temperatur beträgt 20 Grad.

The temperature is 20 degrees.

Note the use of 'beträgt' for weather.

3

Die Länge beträgt einen Meter.

The length is one meter.

Direct object in the accusative (though 'einen Meter' is masculine).

4

Wie hoch beträgt die Miete?

How much is the rent?

Question form using 'Wie hoch'.

5

Die Wartezeit beträgt fünf Minuten.

The waiting time is five minutes.

Used for duration.

6

Das Gewicht beträgt zwei Kilo.

The weight is two kilos.

Measurement of mass.

7

Die Entfernung beträgt 100 Meter.

The distance is 100 meters.

Used for physical distance.

8

Die Gebühr beträgt einen Euro.

The fee is one Euro.

Accusative masculine 'einen Euro'.

1

Die Kosten für das Ticket betragen 50 Euro.

The costs for the ticket amount to 50 Euro.

Plural subject 'die Kosten' requires 'betragen'.

2

Die Fahrzeit beträgt etwa eine Stunde.

The travel time is about one hour.

Using 'etwa' for approximation.

3

Die Breite des Zimmers beträgt vier Meter.

The width of the room is four meters.

Genitive 'des Zimmers' as part of the subject.

4

Der Rabatt beträgt zehn Prozent.

The discount is ten percent.

Used for percentages.

5

Die Teilnehmerzahl beträgt zwanzig Personen.

The number of participants is twenty people.

Compound noun 'Teilnehmerzahl'.

6

Die Tiefe des Pools beträgt zwei Meter.

The depth of the pool is two meters.

Describing dimensions.

7

Der Unterschied beträgt nur zwei Euro.

The difference is only two Euro.

Using 'nur' for emphasis.

8

Die Höchsttemperatur beträgt heute 30 Grad.

The maximum temperature today is 30 degrees.

Meteorological context.

1

Die jährliche Miete beträgt 12.000 Euro.

The annual rent amounts to 12,000 Euro.

Adjective 'jährliche' qualifying the subject.

2

Die Verspätung betrug gestern dreißig Minuten.

The delay yesterday was thirty minutes.

Simple past 'betrug'.

3

Der Anteil der Frauen beträgt 40 Prozent.

The proportion of women is 40 percent.

Statistical context.

4

Die Kaution beträgt drei Monatsmieten.

The deposit amounts to three months' rent.

Real estate terminology.

5

Die Entfernung beträgt Luftlinie 500 Kilometer.

The distance is 500 kilometers as the crow flies.

Using 'Luftlinie' (as the crow flies).

6

Der Mindestlohn beträgt zurzeit 12 Euro pro Stunde.

The minimum wage is currently 12 Euro per hour.

Social/Economic context.

7

Die Gesamtsumme hat 500 Euro betragen.

The total sum amounted to 500 Euro.

Perfect tense (rare but possible).

8

Die Geschwindigkeit betrug zum Zeitpunkt des Unfalls 80 km/h.

The speed was 80 km/h at the time of the accident.

Formal reporting in simple past.

1

Die Inflation im letzten Jahr betrug 5 Prozent.

The inflation last year was 5 percent.

Economic reporting.

2

Die Fehlerquote beträgt weniger als ein Prozent.

The error rate is less than one percent.

Technical/Industrial context.

3

Der Wert des Hauses beträgt schätzungsweise eine Million.

The value of the house is estimated to be one million.

Using 'schätzungsweise' (estimated).

4

Die Reichweite des Elektroautos beträgt 400 Kilometer.

The range of the electric car is 400 kilometers.

Modern technical context.

5

Die durchschnittliche Lebenserwartung beträgt 81 Jahre.

The average life expectancy is 81 years.

Demographic data.

6

Die Kaution würde im Falle eines Schadens 500 Euro betragen.

The deposit would amount to 500 Euro in case of damage.

Subjunctive II (Konjunktiv II).

7

Die Steigerung der Produktion beträgt fast zehn Prozent.

The increase in production is almost ten percent.

Business growth context.

8

Die maximale Traglast des Krans beträgt fünf Tonnen.

The maximum load capacity of the crane is five tons.

Engineering terminology.

1

Die Differenz zwischen Brutto und Netto beträgt 400 Euro.

The difference between gross and net is 400 Euro.

Advanced financial terminology.

2

Die Verjährungsfrist für diese Straftat beträgt fünf Jahre.

The statute of limitations for this crime is five years.

Legal context.

3

Die Ausgaben für Bildung betragen einen erheblichen Teil des Budgets.

Spending on education amounts to a significant part of the budget.

Abstract amount 'einen erheblichen Teil'.

4

Die Wahrscheinlichkeit eines Sieges beträgt nahezu Null.

The probability of a victory is nearly zero.

Mathematical/Probabilistic context.

5

Das Defizit betrug am Ende des Geschäftsjahres Millionen.

The deficit amounted to millions at the end of the fiscal year.

Corporate finance.

6

Die Wirkungsdauer des Medikaments beträgt etwa zwölf Stunden.

The duration of the medication's effect is about twelve hours.

Medical/Scientific context.

7

Die Bevölkerungsdichte beträgt hier 200 Einwohner pro Quadratkilometer.

The population density here is 200 inhabitants per square kilometer.

Geographical/Statistical context.

8

Er betrug sich während der Verhandlung äußerst professionell.

He behaved extremely professionally during the negotiation.

Reflexive 'sich betragen' (to behave).

1

Die Entschädigungssumme beträgt einen siebenstelligen Betrag.

The compensation sum amounts to a seven-figure amount.

High-level legal/financial language.

2

Die Halbwertszeit dieses Isotops beträgt nur wenige Millisekunden.

The half-life of this isotope is only a few milliseconds.

Nuclear physics context.

3

Die Diskrepanz zwischen den Aussagen beträgt ein beträchtliches Maß.

The discrepancy between the statements is considerable.

Abstract measurement.

4

Sollte die Summe weniger als vereinbart betragen, wird der Vertrag nichtig.

Should the sum be less than agreed, the contract becomes void.

Conditional structure in legal German.

5

Die Neigung der Erdachse beträgt etwa 23,5 Grad.

The tilt of the Earth's axis is about 23.5 degrees.

Astronomy context.

6

Das Ausmaß der Zerstörung betrug unvorstellbare Dimensionen.

The extent of the destruction reached unimaginable dimensions.

Literary/Dramatic context.

7

Es ist fraglich, ob der Nutzen die Kosten übersteigen oder nur betragen wird.

It is questionable whether the benefit will exceed or only equal the costs.

Complex rhetorical structure.

8

Sie betrug sich in der Gesellschaft mit vollendeter Eleganz.

She carried herself in society with perfect elegance.

Archaic/Literary reflexive usage.

近义词

sich belaufen auf liegen bei ausmachen ergeben sein kosten zählen umfassen

反义词

abweichen unterschreiten übersteigen schwanken

常见搭配

die Kosten betragen
die Temperatur beträgt
die Entfernung beträgt
die Miete beträgt
die Teilnehmerzahl beträgt
die Geschwindigkeit beträgt
der Preis beträgt
die Wartezeit beträgt
die Tiefe beträgt
der Anteil beträgt

常用短语

Wie hoch beträgt...?

— A formal way to ask for a numerical value or price.

Wie hoch beträgt die Versicherungsprämie?

insgesamt betragen

— To amount to a total sum.

Die Ausgaben betragen insgesamt 1000 Euro.

im Durchschnitt betragen

— To amount to an average value.

Die Temperatur beträgt im Durchschnitt 15 Grad.

annähernd betragen

— To amount to approximately.

Die Kosten betragen annähernd 500 Euro.

lediglich betragen

— To amount to only/merely (emphasizing smallness).

Die Gebühr beträgt lediglich zwei Euro.

knapp betragen

— To amount to just under a certain value.

Die Entfernung beträgt knapp einen Kilometer.

mindestens betragen

— To amount to at least a certain value.

Das Alter muss mindestens 18 Jahre betragen.

maximal betragen

— To amount to a maximum of.

Die Dateigröße darf maximal 10 MB betragen.

einen Bruchteil betragen

— To amount to only a fraction of something.

Die Kosten betragen nur einen Bruchteil des Originals.

das Doppelte betragen

— To amount to twice as much.

Der Preis beträgt heute das Doppelte.

容易混淆的词

betragen vs betrügen

Means 'to cheat' or 'to deceive'. It sounds similar but has an 'ü'.

betragen vs bestätigen

Means 'to confirm'. Sometimes confused by beginners due to the 'be-' prefix.

betragen vs beitragen

Means 'to contribute'. It is a separable verb (ich trage bei).

习语与表达

"sich wohl zu betragen wissen"

— To know how to behave properly in social situations.

Er weiß sich in feiner Gesellschaft wohl zu betragen.

formal/literary
"sich wie ein Axt im Walde betragen"

— To behave very rudely or clumsily (usually uses 'benehmen', but 'betragen' is possible in older texts).

Er hat sich wie die Axt im Walde betragen.

informal/idiomatic
"betragene Kleidung"

— Worn or second-hand clothes (rare, from 'tragen').

Er verkauft betragene Kleidung auf dem Markt.

rare/regional
"sich ungebührlich betragen"

— To behave inappropriately or improperly.

Der Gast wurde hinausgeworfen, weil er sich ungebührlich betrug.

formal/legal
"sich ritterlich betragen"

— To behave in a chivalrous or noble manner.

Er betrug sich ihr gegenüber stets ritterlich.

literary
"sich wie ein Kind betragen"

— To behave like a child (childish behavior).

Hör auf, dich wie ein Kind zu betragen!

neutral
"sich ruhig betragen"

— To keep quiet or behave calmly.

Die Kinder müssen sich während der Vorstellung ruhig betragen.

formal
"sich tapfer betragen"

— To behave bravely in a difficult situation.

Der Soldat hat sich im Kampf tapfer betragen.

formal/historical
"sich würdig betragen"

— To behave with dignity.

Er betrug sich der Ehre würdig.

literary
"sich mustergültig betragen"

— To behave in an exemplary manner.

Die Schüler haben sich auf dem Ausflug mustergültig betragen.

formal

容易混淆

betragen vs betrügen

Phonetic similarity.

'Betragen' is about amounts or behavior; 'betrügen' is about lying or cheating. 'Betragen' has an 'a', 'betrügen' has an 'ü'.

Er beträgt 50 Euro (He amounts to 50 Euro) vs. Er betrügt mich (He is cheating on me).

betragen vs beitragen

Both share the root 'tragen' and prefix 'be-'.

'Beitragen' is separable and means to contribute to a cause. 'Betragen' is inseparable and means to amount to a value.

Ich trage zum Erfolg bei (I contribute) vs. Die Kosten betragen 10 Euro (The costs amount to 10 Euro).

betragen vs ertragen

Same root 'tragen'.

'Ertragen' means to endure or tolerate something unpleasant. 'Betragen' is quantitative.

Ich kann den Lärm nicht ertragen (I can't stand the noise).

betragen vs vertragen

Same root 'tragen'.

'Vertragen' means to get along with someone or to tolerate a substance (like food).

Wir vertragen uns gut (We get along well).

betragen vs übertragen

Same root 'tragen'.

'Übertragen' means to transfer, broadcast, or translate.

Das Spiel wird live übertragen (The game is broadcast live).

句型

A1

Der Preis beträgt [Zahl] Euro.

Der Preis beträgt 5 Euro.

A2

Die Temperatur beträgt [Zahl] Grad.

Die Temperatur beträgt 22 Grad.

B1

Die Kosten betrugen im letzten Jahr [Zahl] Euro.

Die Kosten betrugen im letzten Jahr 1000 Euro.

B2

Der Anteil der [Substantiv] beträgt [Zahl] Prozent.

Der Anteil der Exporte beträgt 30 Prozent.

C1

Wie hoch beträgt die [Nomen] in diesem speziellen Fall?

Wie hoch beträgt die Entschädigung in diesem speziellen Fall?

C1

Er hat sich während der Krise [Adverb] betragen.

Er hat sich während der Krise vorbildlich betragen.

C2

Sollte der Betrag [Zahl] Euro betragen, so ist...

Sollte der Betrag 500 Euro betragen, so ist die Gebühr hinfällig.

C2

Das Ausmaß der Hilfe betrug ein Vielfaches des Erwarteten.

Das Ausmaß der Hilfe betrug ein Vielfaches des Erwarteten.

词族

名词

der Betrag (amount/sum)
das Betragen (behavior/conduct)
die Betragung (rare/obsolete calculation)

动词

tragen (to carry/wear)
übertragen (to transfer)
ertragen (to endure)
vertragen (to tolerate)
beantragen (to apply for)

形容词

beträchtlich (considerable/significant)
unbeträchtlich (insignificant)

相关

der Rechnungsbetrag
der Gesamtbetrag
die Betragstaste
das Wohlverhalten
das Benehmen

如何使用

frequency

Very high in written and formal spoken German; moderate in casual conversation.

常见错误
  • Der Preis betragt 5 Euro. Der Preis beträgt 5 Euro.

    The verb 'betragen' is a strong verb and requires an umlaut (ä) in the third person singular present tense.

  • Die Kosten betragen auf 100 Euro. Die Kosten betragen 100 Euro.

    Unlike 'sich belaufen auf', the verb 'betragen' does not take a preposition before the amount.

  • Ich betrage 20 Jahre alt. Ich bin 20 Jahre alt.

    You cannot use 'betragen' for your own age in personal conversation; 'sein' is the correct verb.

  • Das Wetter beträgt schön. Das Wetter ist schön.

    'Betragen' must be followed by a numerical value, not an adjective.

  • Die Summe hat 50 Euro betragt. Die Summe hat 50 Euro betragen.

    The past participle of 'betragen' is 'betragen', not 'betragt'.

小贴士

Stem Change Alert

Remember the umlaut! 'Es beträgt' with an 'ä'. This is the most common mistake for A2 learners.

Business German

Use 'betragen' in your invoices and professional emails. It sounds much better than 'ist' when talking about money.

Weather Reports

Listen to a German weather forecast. You will hear 'betragen' almost every time they mention temperatures.

Link to 'Betrag'

The noun 'der Betrag' means 'the amount'. If you know the noun, the verb 'betragen' becomes easier to remember.

Avoid Prepositions

Do not say 'betragen auf'. Just put the number immediately after the verb: 'Die Summe beträgt 50 Euro'.

The Equals Sign

Think of 'betragen' as the spoken version of the '=' sign. Subject = Value.

Betragen vs. Benehmen

Use 'benehmen' for everyday behavior. Save 'sich betragen' for very formal contexts or literature.

Asking Prices

Try asking 'Wie hoch beträgt die Gebühr?' instead of 'Was kostet das?' at a government office or bank.

Don't Deceive!

Be careful with 'betrügen'. If you mispronounce 'betragen', you might accidentally tell someone they are cheating!

Global Stats

When talking about the news or global issues, 'betragen' is the standard verb for percentages and data.

记住它

记忆技巧

Think of a 'Be-Tray' (betragen). Imagine a waiter carrying a tray with a bill on it. The bill 'amounts to' a certain price. The waiter must 'behave' well while carrying it.

视觉联想

Visualize a giant equals sign (=) with the word 'betragen' written across it. On one side is a word (like 'Price') and on the other is a number (like '10€').

Word Web

Kosten Preis Temperatur Entfernung Summe Zahl Betrag Verhalten

挑战

Try to find three things in your room and state their dimensions or price using 'betragen'. For example: 'Die Länge meines Bettes beträgt zwei Meter.'

词源

Derived from the Middle High German 'betragen' and Old High German 'bitragan'. It is a combination of the prefix 'be-' and the verb 'tragen' (to carry).

原始含义: Originally, it meant 'to carry' or 'to bring together'. This evolved into 'to carry oneself' (behavior) and later 'to carry a value' (amounting to).

Germanic (Indo-European).

文化背景

No specific sensitivities, but be careful not to confuse 'betragen' (amount to) with 'betrügen' (to cheat), which sounds similar.

English speakers often just use 'is' or 'costs'. 'Betragen' is more like the formal 'amounts to' or 'totals'.

German weather forecasts (Tagesschau) Financial reports of companies like Siemens or VW Legal texts and contracts

在生活中练习

真实语境

Shopping/Finance

  • Der Preis beträgt...
  • Die Summe beträgt...
  • Der Betrag beträgt...
  • Die Gebühr beträgt...

Weather/Science

  • Die Temperatur beträgt...
  • Der Niederschlag beträgt...
  • Die Tiefe beträgt...
  • Die Dichte beträgt...

Travel/Geography

  • Die Entfernung beträgt...
  • Die Höhe beträgt...
  • Die Fahrzeit beträgt...
  • Die Breite beträgt...

Statistics/Society

  • Der Anteil beträgt...
  • Die Quote beträgt...
  • Die Zahl beträgt...
  • Das Alter beträgt...

Formal Behavior

  • Er hat sich gut betragen.
  • Sich unmöglich betragen.
  • Sich höflich betragen.
  • Ein gutes Betragen zeigen.

对话开场白

"Wie hoch beträgt eigentlich die Miete in deiner Stadt?"

"Wie viel beträgt die durchschnittliche Temperatur im Winter in deinem Heimatland?"

"Weißt du, wie hoch die Entfernung von hier bis nach Berlin beträgt?"

"Wie hoch beträgt die Mehrwertsteuer in diesem Land?"

"Hat sich der Preis für Benzin in letzter Zeit verändert? Wie hoch beträgt er jetzt?"

日记主题

Schreibe über die monatlichen Kosten für dein Hobby. Wie hoch betragen sie insgesamt?

Beschreibe die Dimensionen deines Zimmers (Länge, Breite, Höhe) unter Verwendung von 'betragen'.

Reflektiere über ein wichtiges Ereignis. Wie viele Teilnehmer betrug die Gruppe?

Vergleiche die Temperaturen in zwei verschiedenen Städten. Wie hoch betragen die Unterschiede?

Schreibe über eine Situation, in der sich jemand besonders gut oder schlecht betragen hat.

常见问题

10 个问题

No, 'betragen' can be used for any numerical value, including temperatures, distances, percentages, weights, and time durations. For example: 'Die Verspätung beträgt zehn Minuten'.

Technically you could say 'Mein Alter beträgt 20 Jahre' in a very formal document, but in normal conversation, you always use 'sein': 'Ich bin 20 Jahre alt'.

'Kosten' is used for the price of an item (Das Buch kostet 10€). 'Betragen' is used for the abstract sum or total (Die Rechnung beträgt 10€). 'Betragen' is more formal.

No, the prefix 'be-' is always inseparable in German. You say 'Es beträgt', not 'Es trägt be'.

In this case, it is reflexive: 'sich betragen'. For example: 'Er hat sich gut betragen'. This is similar to 'sich benehmen'.

It takes the accusative, but since it's almost always followed by a number and a unit, you only see it with masculine nouns like 'einen Euro' or 'einen Meter'.

No, you should say 'Die Temperatur beträgt 20 Grad'. The subject must be the specific property being measured.

It is 'betragen'. Because it is an inseparable strong verb, it does not get a 'ge-' prefix. 'Die Kosten haben 100 Euro betragen'.

It is common in formal situations or when reporting facts. In casual speech, people often use 'sein' or 'liegen bei'.

It is an adjective derived from 'betragen' meaning 'considerable' or 'significant'. 'Ein beträchtlicher Unterschied' is a significant difference.

自我测试 200 个问题

writing

Write a sentence using 'betragen' to describe the price of a laptop (1200 Euro).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence about the temperature today (25 degrees).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'The distance between the cities is 100 kilometers.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'The total costs amount to 50 Euro.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Ask a question about the rent for an apartment using 'betragen'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Use 'betrug' in a sentence about a historical price.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Describe the length of a table (2 meters) using 'betragen'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'The proportion of students is 20 percent.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a formal sentence about behavior using 'sich betragen'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'The waiting time was 30 minutes.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Use 'betragen' to describe the depth of a pool (3 meters).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'The fee is only 2 Euro.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence about the inflation rate (3%).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'The maximum weight is 20kg.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Ask how high the discount is.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'The difference was 10 Euro.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Use 'betragen' in a sentence about a car's range (500km).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'The daily rent is 50 Euro.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence about the height of a building (50m).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'The total amount of the invoice is 150 Euro.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Describe the current temperature in your city using 'betragen'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Tell someone how much your rent is using 'betragen'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Explain the distance to the nearest supermarket using 'betragen'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

State the height of a famous building you know.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Describe a delay you recently experienced.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Talk about a discount you saw recently.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Mention the population of your hometown.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Tell someone the length of your favorite movie.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Explain the fee for a service (e.g., parking).

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

State the percentage of battery left on your phone.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Describe the weight of your luggage.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Tell someone the width of your desk.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

State the number of people in your German class.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Describe a price difference between two items.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Mention the depth of a local swimming pool.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Tell someone the speed limit on a road.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Explain the duration of your flight.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Describe the annual cost of a subscription.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Mention the minimum age for an activity.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Tell someone how you behaved at a party (reflexive).

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: 'Der Preis beträgt fünf Euro.' What is the price?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: 'Die Temperatur beträgt heute 20 Grad.' What is the temperature?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: 'Die Entfernung beträgt 10 Kilometer.' What is the distance?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: 'Die Verspätung beträgt eine halbe Stunde.' How long is the delay?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: 'Der Anteil beträgt 15 Prozent.' What is the percentage?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: 'Die Gebühr beträgt einen Euro.' How much is the fee?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: 'Die Miete beträgt 600 Euro.' How much is the rent?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: 'Die Wartezeit beträgt 10 Minuten.' How long is the wait?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: 'Die Tiefe beträgt drei Meter.' How deep is it?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: 'Die Geschwindigkeit betrug 80 km/h.' What was the speed?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: 'Die Teilnehmerzahl beträgt 50.' How many people?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: 'Der Unterschied beträgt 2 Euro.' What is the difference?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: 'Die Breite beträgt 1 Meter.' How wide is it?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: 'Die Kaution beträgt 1000 Euro.' How much is the deposit?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: 'Die Inflation beträgt 4 Prozent.' What is the inflation rate?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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