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beziehen

obtain

verb buh-TSEE-en Less Common
Communication Speech

Also means

relate

Usage Note

beziehen is a chameleon: it means to draw a salary or supplies, to make up a bed (ein Bett beziehen), or to move into a flat. The reflexive sich beziehen auf means 'to refer to' and is everywhere in academic and legal writing. The prefix be- is inseparable, so it never splits off.

Examples

"Ich beziehe mich auf Ihren Brief."

Natural Translation

I am referring to your letter.

Literal Translation

I refer myself to your letter.

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