The verb "bewerben" has multiple meanings, though its most common use relates to applications, particularly for jobs, universities, or grants. It is a reflexive verb in this sense, meaning that it is typically used with a reflexive pronoun: "sich bewerben." The phrase "sich um eine Stelle bewerben" translates to "to apply for a position," while "sich an einer Universität bewerben" means "to apply to a university." When specifying the entity receiving the application, the preposition "bei" is used, as in "Ich bewerbe mich bei einer Firma" ("I am applying to a company").
Another meaning of "bewerben" appears in advertising. Without the reflexive pronoun, it means "to promote" or "to advertise" something. For example, "Eine Firma bewirbt ihr neues Produkt" translates to "A company is advertising its new product." In this context, it functions as a transitive verb with a direct object.
The noun "die Bewerbung" derives directly from the verb and refers to the application itself. It encompasses all documents submitted in an application process, such as a cover letter and CV. A "Bewerbungsgespräch" is a job interview, while "Bewerbungsfrist" indicates the application deadline. The noun can also be used in an abstract sense to describe the act of applying, as in "Seine Bewerbung um die Stelle war erfolgreich" ("His application for the position was successful").
Etymologically, "bewerben" comes from the Middle High German "bewërben," meaning "to strive for" or "to try to obtain." This, in turn, is derived from the Old High German "biwerban," which carries a similar meaning. The prefix "be-" intensifies the meaning of "werben," a verb that originally meant "to recruit, to entice, or to seek." Over time, "bewerben" took on its modern usage related to applications and advertising.
In some cases, "bewerben" can be replaced by other verbs, depending on the nuance. "Sich melden" might be used in a more informal context, as in "Melde dich, wenn du Interesse hast" ("Get in touch if you're interested"). In highly formal contexts, "ein Gesuch einreichen" (to submit a request) might replace it, though this is more bureaucratic in tone. For advertising, "werben für" is an alternative, as in "Die Firma wirbt für ihr neues Produkt" ("The company is promoting its new product"), but it differs slightly in meaning, emphasizing persuasion rather than the mere act of application.
The contexts in which "bewerben" is most commonly used are professional and academic settings, where it expresses the process of submitting oneself for consideration. It also appears in business contexts in relation to marketing. Despite its different meanings, the underlying concept remains consistent: presenting oneself or something else in a way that seeks approval, whether from an employer or a consumer.