In German

bauen

Meaning: to build

Example sentences

  • WirbaueneinHaus.

    We're building a house.

  • DieFirmabautneueWohnungen.

    The company is building new apartments.

  • ErhatdasRegalselbstgebaut.

    He built the shelf himself.

Grammar note

“Bauen” is a regular verb: “ich baue”, “du baust”, “er/sie/es baut”. The perfect tense uses “haben”: “ich habe gebaut”.

Common mistake

Don't confuse “bauen” (to build) with “brauchen” (to need) — both common verbs, but unrelated in meaning.

Quick check

Which German word means “to build”?

More words on this topic

gehento gowollento wanthelfento helpkommento come

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Frequently asked questions

How do you say “I build”?

“Ich baue”.

What does “brauchen” mean?

“To need”, a different verb that looks similar.