piratesandindians asked: Hallo! Was ist der Unterschied zwischen 'antworten' und 'beantworten'? Veilleicht braucht 'antworten' ein Akkusativobjekt? Gibt es andrere Wörter wie das? Auch in welcher Stadt wohnen Sie? Ich bin nur neugierig. (Wenn Sie das schon sagten, tut es mir leid.) Ich wohnte in Salzburg, und mag es wann Sie über den Süden sprechen....und hoffentlich war mein Deutsch verständlich! Tschüß!

(Hi! What's the difference between 'antworten' and 'beantworten'? Maybe does 'antworten' require a direct object? Are there any other words like this? Also, what city do you live in? I'm just curious. [If you've said this already, I'm sorry.] I lived in Salzburg and like it when you speak about the south...and hopefully was my German understandable! Bye!)

First of all - thanks for asking in German but also translating your question to English!

The difference between “antworten” and “beantworten” (both translate to “reply” “answer” “respond”) is very difficult to explain. But you’re almost right ;) it has something to do with the object.

“beantworten” takes an accusative object. e.g. “Ich werde deine Email morgen beantworten.” = I’ll reply to your email tomorrow. or: “Diese Frage ist schwer zu beantworten.” = This question is hard to respond to.

“antworten” takes a dative object and also needs a preposition: e.g. “Ich werde morgen auf deine Email antworten.” “Es ist schwer auf diese Frage zu antworten.”

You also use “antworten” for direct speeches e.g. “Ein Kaffee, bitte”, antwortete sie. = “One coffee please”, she answered. So “antworten” also works without an object.

There are similar verbs e.g. arbeiten / bearbeiten; zahlen / bezahlen; kämpfen / bekämpfen etc.

I live in Nürnberg by the way :) Salzburg is a beautiful city :)