der  Bedacht

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/bəˈdax(t)/

🤔 What does "der Bedacht" mean?

Der Bedacht is a masculine noun referring to consideration, deliberation, prudence, or carefulness. It describes the quality or state of thinking something through carefully before acting. You act "mit Bedacht" (with consideration) when you proceed cautiously and thoughtfully.

It essentially only exists in the singular and is often used in fixed expressions.

🚨 Attention: Do not confuse it with the past participle of the verb "bedenken" (to consider), e.g., "Ich habe das bedacht" (I have considered that). This entry is about the noun.

🧐 Grammar of "der Bedacht" in Detail

"Der Bedacht" is a masculine noun (Maskulinum). It is almost exclusively used in the singular. A plural form ("die Bedächte") is extremely rare and generally not used.

Declension Singular

Note: In the Genitive and Dative singular, the ending -e (Bedachtes, Bedachte) is possible but less common today. The form without -e is more usual.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Er handelte stets mit großem Bedacht.
   (He always acted with great consideration.)
2. Der Mangel an Bedacht führte zum Fehler. (Genitive)
   (The lack of consideration led to the mistake.)
3. Schenke dieser Sache deinen vollen Bedacht! (Accusative - rather formal/elevated)
   (Give this matter your full consideration!)
4. Mit Bedacht gewählt, sind die Worte mächtiger. (Dative - often without article in this phrase)
   (Chosen with deliberation, words are more powerful.)

💡 How to use "der Bedacht"?

"Der Bedacht" is used to express that an action or decision is made thoughtfully, carefully, and prudently.

• Typical Collocations: The most common usage is in the phrase "mit Bedacht" (e.g., "mit Bedacht wählen" - to choose carefully, "mit Bedacht handeln" - to act with consideration, "mit Bedacht vorgehen" - to proceed carefully).
• Context: The word is often found in contexts involving planning, strategy, diplomacy, or simply careful action to avoid mistakes or negative consequences. It carries a slightly formal or elevated connotation.
• Differentiation:
  • Überlegung (consideration): Emphasizes the thinking process itself.
  • Vorsicht (caution): Emphasizes avoiding danger.
  • Umsicht (circumspection): Emphasizes considering all circumstances.
  • Bedacht combines elements of these, focusing on the resulting calm, controlled action.

You can also say someone lacks Bedacht (jemandem fehlt der Bedacht) if they act thoughtlessly or rashly.

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Bedacht"

1. For the article "der":

   Imagine a wise man (DER Mann) who always speaks and acts with much Bedacht. Der reminds you of the masculine article.

2. For the meaning (consideration, prudence):

   Be-dacht sounds a bit like 'be thoughtful'. Before you act, you need to 'be thoughtful' – act with consideration. Or think: you wouldn't build a roof (Dach is part of Bedacht) without careful planning and consideration.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for "Bedacht"

⚠️ Similar words: Be careful not to confuse the noun "Bedacht" with the past participle "bedacht" (from the verb bedenken - to consider), although they are closely related. Example: "Er hat seine Worte gut bedacht" (He considered his words well - participle) vs. "Er wählte seine Worte mit Bedacht" (He chose his words with consideration - noun).

😂 A Little Joke

Warum nehmen Architekten immer einen Bleistift mit Radiergummi mit?
Damit sie ihre Pläne jederzeit mit Bedacht ändern können! 😉

(Why do architects always carry a pencil with an eraser?
So they can always change their plans with consideration/deliberation!)

📜 A Little Poem about Bedacht

Wer spricht ein Wort, wer tut 'nen Schritt,
und nimmt sich keinen Bedacht mit,
der stolpert leicht, bereut es bald,
find't in der Hast nicht festen Halt.

Drum wähle weise, denk voraus,
mit Bedacht sieht's besser aus.
Ein ruhiger Geist, ein klarer Sinn,
darin liegt oft der Hauptgewinn.

(Who speaks a word, who takes a step,
and takes no consideration along,
stumbles easily, regrets it soon,
finds no firm footing in the haste.)

(So choose wisely, think ahead,
with consideration, things look better.
A calm spirit, a clear mind,
therein often lies the main prize.)

🧩 Riddle Time

Ich habe keinen Mund, doch rat' ich dir zu schweigen,
Ich habe keine Füße, doch helf' ich, den Weg zu zeigen.
Ich bin des Weisen Freund, des Toren Schreck,
Wer mich besitzt, vermeidet manchen Fleck.
Man braucht mich sehr bei Plan und Tat,
Ich bin die Vorsicht und der gute Rat.

Was bin ich? (Lösung/Solution: Der Bedacht)

(I have no mouth, yet advise you to be silent,
I have no feet, yet help to show the way.
I am the wise man's friend, the fool's dread,
Who owns me avoids many a stain instead.
I'm needed much for plan and deed,
I am caution and good advice indeed.)

(What am I?
Solution: Der Bedacht / Consideration, Prudence)

🤓 Additional Information

Word Origin (Etymology):

"Der Bedacht" derives from the verb "bedenken" (to consider, to think about). It is a nominalization of the past participle or a derivative thereof. The Middle High German word "bedaht" already meant “consideration, providence, intention”. The root lies in thinking and weighing options.

Abstract Nature:

"Bedacht" is an abstract noun. You cannot touch it; rather, it describes a quality or a way of acting.