The word type beid- in German

In this article, Vogel will introduce beid- and how to use it. It is a special type of word because it can function both as an independent pronoun and as an adjective. We will explore both uses of beid- together.

Let's get started!

1. Beid- as a pronoun replacing a noun

• beid- in the singular form

Function: Used to refer to things/events (that are completely different from each other). In this form, the verb is always conjugated in the third person singular (if beid- is the subject of the sentence)

Example: (1) Magst du lieber Kaffee oder Fanta? (Do you prefer coffee or Fanta?) Beides gefällt mir nicht. (I don't like either of them)

→ In example (1), beid- becomes beides (Nominativ subject) and acts as a pronoun replacing coffee and Fanta (2 different types of drinks)

(2) Was machst du lieber? Laufen oder schwimmen? (What do you prefer doing? Running or swimming?)

Ich mache beides gerne. (I enjoy doing both of those things)

→ In example (2), beid- becomes beides (Akkusativ object) and acts as a pronoun replacing running and swimming (2 different actions)

• beid- in the plural form

Function: Used to refer to people (2 people) or things (that are similar to each other). In this form, beid- is always conjugated in the plural (if beid- is the subject of the sentence)

Example: (3) Hast du Linh und Nam gesehen? (Did you see Linh and Nam?)

Ich habe beide im Garten gesehen. (I just saw both of them in the garden)

→ In example (3), beid- becomes beide (Akkusativ object) and acts as a pronoun replacing Linh and Nam (2 people)

(4) Wo sind die 2 neuen Blumenvasen? Beide stehen auf dem Tisch.→ In example (4), beid- becomes beide (Nominativ subject) and functions as a pronoun replacing 2 flower vases (2 similar objects)

1. Beid- as an adjective with an accompanying article

Function: Adding meaning to plural nouns

When beid- functions as an adjective with an accompanying article, there is no longer a distinction between nouns referring to people or things/matters. However, the distinction between beid- used with a definite article (similar to other types of articles) and beid- used with a zero article (Nullartikel) will appear.

• beid- used with a zero article (Nullartikel)

beid- carries the meaning of emphasizing the quantity as "2" rather than "1", "3", or any other number of people or things/matters.

Ví dụ: Beide Männer rasieren Schafe.

→ beid- in the role of an adjective modifying the plural noun with no article Männer in the Nominativ case (beid- → beide).

• beid- used with a definite article (bestimmter Artikel)

beid- carries the meaning of emphasizing the "togetherness" / "both" of 2 people or 2 objects.

Ví dụ: Die beiden Männer rasieren Schafe.

→ beid- in the role of an adjective modifying the plural noun with the definite article "Die Männer" in the Nominativ case (beid- → beiden)