bearbeiten

/bəˈʔaʁbaɪ̯tən/

"Bearbeiten" is one of the most versatile verbs in German, covering everything from editing a text and processing an application to working a material or adapting an artistic work. The right English equivalent depends entirely on the domain.

1. edit

The right choice when revising, correcting, or polishing a text, article, or document.

Kannst du diesen Artikel noch einmal bearbeiten, bevor wir ihn veröffentlichen?
Can you edit this article one more time before we publish it?
Sie hat das Manuskript über mehrere Wochen bearbeitet und dabei viele Schwachstellen gefunden.
She edited the manuscript over several weeks and identified many weak spots.

2. process · administrative

Used when authorities, companies, or departments handle applications, orders, or incoming requests.

Die Behörde hat meinen Antrag innerhalb von zwei Wochen bearbeitet.
The authority processed my application within two weeks.
Unser Kundenservice bearbeitet täglich mehrere Hundert Anfragen.
Our customer service team processes several hundred requests every day.

3. work · technical

Describes the manual or mechanical treatment of a material such as wood, stone, or metal; in industrial contexts also rendered as "machine".

Der Tischler bearbeitet das Holz mit verschiedenen Schleifwerkzeugen.
The carpenter works the wood with various sanding tools.
In der Fertigung werden die Metallrohlinge präzise bearbeitet.
In manufacturing, the metal blanks are precisely machined.

4. adapt · arts

For the artistic reworking of an existing piece: a stage adaptation of a novel or a musical arrangement.

Der Regisseur hat den Bestseller für die Bühne bearbeitet.
The director adapted the bestseller for the stage.
Bach hat viele Werke anderer Komponisten für die Orgel bearbeitet.
Bach arranged many works by other composers for the organ.

Notes

In colloquial German, "bearbeiten" can mean to persistently pressure or talk someone into something: "Er hat sie so lange bearbeitet, bis sie zusagte" is best rendered as "He worked on her until she agreed" or "He wore her down until she said yes." This usage is purely informal and does not appear in written or formal registers.

Synonyms

überarbeiten redigieren abarbeiten verarbeiten abhandeln

Related phrases

Bearbeitung überarbeiten verarbeiten redigieren abarbeiten fertigstellen Sachbearbeiter