In German

bei

Meaning: at, near, with (someone's place); at (a company)

Example sentences

  • IchwohnebeimeinerMutter.

    I live with my mother.

  • ErarbeitetbeiderFirma.

    He works at the company.

  • WirtreffenunsbeimArzt.

    We're meeting at the doctor's.

Grammar note

“Bei” always takes Dativ. It means being at someone's home or place (“bei meiner Mutter”), at a company (“bei der Firma”), or “beim” (bei + dem) at a location like the doctor's.

Common mistake

Don't use “mit” when you mean “at someone's place”. “Ich wohne mit meiner Mutter” means living together as equals; “bei meiner Mutter” specifically means at her place.

Quick check

Which preposition means “at” someone's place or a company, and always takes Dativ?

More words on this topic

ausfrom, out of; made ofvonfrom, of (often a person or starting point)zuto (a person or specific place, with an article)

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Frequently asked questions

What does “beim” mean?

“Beim” contracts “bei dem”, as in “beim Arzt” (at the doctor's).

Is “bei” the same as “mit”?

No — “bei” means at someone's location, “mit” means together with someone.