die  Begehung

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/bəˈɡeːʊŋ/

🕵️‍♀️ What exactly does "die Begehung" mean?

The word die Begehung is a feminine noun with several meanings depending on the context:

• Inspection, tour, survey: This is the most common meaning. It describes systematically walking through or visiting a place, often for control or information purposes. Example: Eine Sicherheitsbegehung eines Gebäudes (a security inspection of a building).
• Ceremonial event, commemoration: Less frequently, it's used for the ceremonial observance of an anniversary or commemoration day. Example: Die feierliche Begehung des Jahrestages (the solemn commemoration of the anniversary).
• Commission, perpetration (often negative): Especially in a legal or formal context, it refers to the carrying out of an act, often a crime or an error. Example: Die Begehung einer Straftat (the commission of a crime). 🚨 Attention: This meaning is specific and often formal or legal.

The ending "-ung" typically indicates a feminine noun derived from a verb (here: begehen - to walk on, inspect; to celebrate; to commit).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of "die Begehung" in Detail

Die Begehung is a feminine noun. Its declension follows the regular pattern for feminine nouns ending in "-ung".

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

💡 Example Sentences

1. Die Begehung der Baustelle findet morgen statt.
   (The inspection of the construction site takes place tomorrow.)
2. Zur Begehung des Firmenjubiläums gab es eine große Feier.
   (There was a big party for the celebration/commemoration of the company anniversary.)
3. Die Begehung von Diebstählen hat in dieser Gegend zugenommen.
   (The commission/perpetration of thefts has increased in this area.)

When and how to use "die Begehung"?

The use of die Begehung strongly depends on the intended meaning:

• Inspection/Tour: Often in the context of safety (Sicherheitsbegehung), construction (Baustellenbegehung), real estate (Wohnungsbegehung), or official checks (behördliche Begehung). Here, it's more formal than a simple Rundgang (tour) or Besichtigung (viewing/visit), often implying an official character or systematic check.
• Celebration/Commemoration: Rather rare and formal. One usually speaks of a Feier (celebration), Festakt (ceremony), or Jubiläum (anniversary). Die Begehung des Gedenktages sounds elevated.
• Commission (of an act): Mainly in legal language or formal reports. In everyday life, one would rather say "Er hat eine Straftat begangen" (He committed a crime) instead of "Die Begehung der Straftat durch ihn..." (The commission of the crime by him...). Synonyms like Tat (deed, crime), Verbrechen (felony), or Vergehen (misdemeanor) are more common for the result, while Begehung emphasizes the act itself. A more specific term is e.g. Tatbegehung (perpetration).

⚠️ Avoid overusing "Begehung" for every kind of meeting or tour. Often, Besprechung (meeting), Treffen (meeting), Tour (tour), or Besichtigung (viewing) fit better.

🧠 Mnemonics for Begehung

Remembering the Article 💃

Nouns ending in -ung are almost always feminine (die). Think of: Die Prüfung (the exam), die Meinung (the opinion), die Wohnung (the apartment)... and therefore also die Begehung.

Remembering the Meanings 🚶‍♀️🎉⚖️

Imagine:

1. You go (gehst) through a building for an inspection (Begehung 1).
2. You go (gehst) to a celebration to commemorate it (Begehung 2).
3. Someone goes (geht) the wrong way and commits a crime (Begehung 3).

The verb "gehen" (to go) is hidden within "begehen" and thus in "Begehung".

🔄 Similar and Opposite Words

⚠️ Potential Confusion

• Besichtigung: Often more tourist-oriented or informal than Begehung.
• Inspektion: Usually more technical or focused on defects than Begehung.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Chef den neuen Sicherheitsbeauftragten: "Haben Sie die nächtliche Begehung gemacht?"
Antwortet der Neue: "Nein, ich bin die ganze Zeit brav am Eingang sitzen geblieben!"

Translation:
The boss asks the new security officer: "Did you do the nightly inspection tour (Begehung)?"
The newbie replies: "No, I stayed sitting dutifully by the entrance the whole time!"

✒️ Poem about Begehung

Die Baustelle, weit und breit,
Zur Begehung ist es Zeit.
Helm auf, Plan in fester Hand,
Man prüft den Zustand, Wand für Wand.

Ein Jubiläum, festlich klar,
Die Begehung, wunderbar.
Man denkt zurück, mit Stolz und Glück,
Auf ein erfolgreiches Stück.

Doch dunkel wird der dritte Sinn,
Die Begehung bringt Schuldgewinn.
Ein Fehltritt nur, im Schatten leis,
Führt auf verbot'nes, glattes Eis.

Translation:
The construction site, far and wide,
For the inspection (Begehung), it is time.
Helmet on, plan held tight,
Checking conditions, wall by wall's light.

An anniversary, festive, clear,
The commemoration (Begehung), wonderfully dear.
Looking back, with pride and glee,
At a successful history.

But dark becomes the third sense now,
The commission (Begehung) brings guilt somehow.
Just one misstep, in shadows slight,
Leads onto forbidden, slippery height.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich kann ein prüfender Rundgang sein,
Ein Festtag, feierlich und fein.
Doch achtlos ausgeführt im Nu,
Bring ich dich vor den Richter zu.

Was bin ich, stets feminin?

Translation:
I can be an inspecting tour,
A festive day, solemn and pure.
But carelessly performed, you see,
I'll bring you before the judge, maybe.

What am I, always feminine?
(Solution: die Begehung)

Other Information 🧩

Word Formation (Wortbildung)

Die Begehung is a noun derived from the verb begehen. The prefix be- modifies the simple verb gehen (to go), giving it more specific meanings (to walk upon/inspect, to celebrate, to commit). The suffix -ung nominalizes the verb and makes it feminine.

Cultural Context (Kultureller Kontext)

In Germany, official or safety-related inspections (Begehungen) by authorities like the TÜV (Technical Inspection Association), building authorities (Bauamt), or fire departments (Feuerwehr) are integral parts of administrative and control processes.