der  Bezug

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/bəˈtsuːk/

📖 What does "der Bezug" mean?

The word der Bezug is a masculine noun with several meanings, often dependent on the context:

• Reference / Relation / Connection: This is one of the most common meanings. It describes a thematic or logical connection between things or topics. Often used in the phrase "Bezug nehmen auf" (to refer to).
  Example: In seiner Rede nahm der Politiker Bezug auf die aktuelle Wirtschaftslage. (In his speech, the politician referred to the current economic situation.)
• Cover / Case: This refers to a fabric cover for furniture, pillows, duvets, etc.
  Example: Ich muss den Bezug des Kopfkissens waschen. (I need to wash the pillowcase.)
• Income / Receipt of benefits: This refers to the regular receipt of monetary payments such as salary, pension, or social benefits.
  Example: Der Bezug von Arbeitslosengeld ist an Bedingungen geknüpft. (The receipt of unemployment benefits is subject to conditions.)
• Purchase / Procurement / Source: Describes the act of acquiring goods or services, often from a specific source.
  Example: Der Bezug von Waren aus dem Ausland kann zollpflichtig sein. (The purchase of goods from abroad may be subject to customs duties.)

🚨 Pay attention to the context to understand the correct meaning of Bezug!

Article rules for der, die, and das

📐 Grammar & Declension of "der Bezug"

Der Bezug is a masculine noun. The plural form is die Bezüge.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

💡 Example Sentences

1. (Reference) Der Bezug zum vorherigen Kapitel ist offensichtlich.
   (The reference to the previous chapter is obvious.)
2. (Cover) Hast du einen neuen Bezug für die Couch gekauft?
   (Did you buy a new cover for the couch?)
3. (Income) Seine monatlichen Bezüge sind recht hoch.
   (His monthly earnings are quite high. - Plural often used for income/salary)
4. (Source/Purchase) Der Bezug von Ökostrom wird immer beliebter.
   (The purchase/use of green electricity is becoming increasingly popular.)

🗣️ How to use "der Bezug"?

The usage of der Bezug depends heavily on the intended meaning:

• Bezug nehmen auf + Accusative: A very common phrase meaning "to refer to" or "to relate to".
  Example: Ich nehme Bezug auf Ihr Schreiben vom 5. Mai. (I am referring to your letter of May 5th.)
• In Bezug auf + Accusative / Genitive: A slightly more formal way to say "regarding", "concerning", or "with respect to".
  Example: In Bezug auf Ihre Anfrage können wir Ihnen Folgendes mitteilen. (Regarding your inquiry, we can inform you of the following.) / In Bezug auf die neuen Regelungen gibt es noch Unklarheiten. (With respect to the new regulations, there are still uncertainties.)
• Einen Bezug herstellen zwischen...: Means "to establish a connection" or "to link" two or more things.
  Example: Der Wissenschaftler stellte einen Bezug zwischen den Messwerten und der Temperatur her. (The scientist established a connection between the measured values and the temperature.)
• Der Bezug von...: Used to describe the receipt (of money, goods) or the source.
  Examples: Der Bezug von Kindergeld. (The receipt of child benefit.) Der Bezug von Ersatzteilen direkt vom Hersteller. (The procurement of spare parts directly from the manufacturer.)
• Der Bezug (für Kissen/Decken etc.): Simply used to name the cover.
  Example: Der Reißverschluss am Bezug ist kaputt. (The zipper on the cover is broken.)

⚠️ Don't confuse Bezug (reference, income, cover) with Beziehung (relationship). Although there's overlap in the sense of "connection", Beziehung is primarily used for interpersonal relationships.

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Bezug"

Remembering the Article (der):

Think of "der Referent" (the speaker, masculine) who makes a Bezug (reference). Or imagine: Der Boss (the boss, masculine) gives you your income (Gehaltsbezug).

Remembering the Meanings:

The verb "beziehen" means "to draw", "to cover", "to receive", or "to refer". Think of Bezug as the result of these actions: you 'draw' a connection (reference), you 'draw' a cover over a pillow (cover), you 'draw' money (income), or you 'draw' goods from a source (purchase).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Words:

• Beziehung: Primarily used for interpersonal relationships, not for references or financial/material procurement.
• Anzug: Means "suit" (men's clothing). Sounds vaguely similar but is unrelated.

😄 A Little Joke

DE: Fragt der Chef seinen neuen Mitarbeiter: "Haben Sie überhaupt einen Bezug zur Arbeit?" Sagt der Mitarbeiter: "Ja, einen aus Baumwolle für mein Bürokissen!"

EN: The boss asks his new employee: "Do you even have any relation/connection (Bezug) to work?" The employee replies: "Yes, a cotton one (Bezug = cover) for my office pillow!"

📜 Poem about "der Bezug"

DE:
Der Bezug, ein Wort, so vielseitig,
Mal Hülle, weich und seidig.
Mal nimmt man ihn, auf das, was war,
Als Referenz, ganz klar.

Er fließt aufs Konto, Monat für Monat,
Als Lohn für Müh', das ist der Soldat.
Man kauft ihn ein, die Ware fein,
Der Bezug kann vieles sein.

EN:
Der Bezug, a word, versatile it seems,
Sometimes a cover, soft silky dreams.
Sometimes you take it, referring to the past,
As reference clear, meant to last.

It flows to the account, month by month you see,
As payment for effort, the salary.
You purchase it too, the goods so fine,
Der Bezug can be many things, by design.

🧩 Riddle

DE:
Ich kann eine Verbindung sein,
Oder hülle Kissen ein.
Ich bring dir Geld ins Haus,
Oder komme als Ware vom Kaufhaus.

Was bin ich? Antwort: Der Bezug

EN:
I can be a connection you find,
Or wrap up your pillows so kind.
I bring money into your place,
Or come as goods from a shop's space.

What am I? Answer: Der Bezug

✨ Other Information

Word Formation: The noun "der Bezug" is derived from the verb "beziehen". "Beziehen" also has multiple meanings reflected in "Bezug" (etwas beziehen = to obtain/purchase; sich beziehen auf = to refer to; ein Bett beziehen = to put covers on a bed).

Compounds: There are many compound words with "Bezug", e.g.:

• Bezugsquelle: Source (where you buy/get something).
• Bezugspunkt: Reference point.
• Bezugnahme: The act of referring to something.
• Gehaltsbezug: Receipt of salary.
• Kissenbezug/Bettbezug: Pillowcase/Duvet cover.
• Realitätsbezug: Connection to reality.