behandeln
[bəˈhandl̩n]
The German verb for 'to treat' is behandeln.
The verb behandeln is used when you handle, deal with or behave towards someone or something in a specific way. This includes medical contexts, such as doctors treating patients. Additionally, behandeln is used when a book, film or lecture 'treats' or deals with a specific topic.
Meaning: to handle, deal with or behave towards in a specific way (verb)
Which one should you use?
behandeln is used for behavioral or medical treatment, but it is not used for the English sense of 'treating someone to a meal' or 'treating oneself' to a luxury. For those situations, German speakers use words like einladen or verwöhnen.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The third-person singular present and the past participle of behandeln is behandelt. The simple past form for masculine and neuter singular subjects is behandelte.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using behandeln if you mean to 'treat someone to a meal' or 'treat oneself' to a luxury. Instead, use einladen or verwöhnen.
Did you know?
- If you are 'treated' poorly in a social sense, a German speaker might say they were behandelt wie ein Hund, meaning 'treated like a dog'.
- The verb behandeln shares a common ancestor with the English word 'handle'. Historically, it literally meant to touch or manipulate something with the hand.
- The verb verwöhnen is used when treating oneself to a luxury, which shares a root with the word for 'spoiling' a child.
Examples in context
- Warum behandeln Sie Tom so?Why do you treat Tom like this?This sentence shows how to ask why someone is behaving towards a specific person in a certain way using behandeln.Tatoeba #7559909 by Luiaard, translation #3667008 by Hybrid
- Warum behandeln Sie mich so?Why do you treat me like this?This sentence shows how to ask why someone is behaving towards the speaker in a certain way using behandeln.Tatoeba #3669273 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3669231 by Hybrid
- Ärzte behandeln kranke Leute.Doctors treat sick people.This sentence demonstrates the medical use of the verb behandeln.Tatoeba #5912728 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #12273165 by sundown
- Die Teilnehmer erhielten eine kleine Belohnung für ihre MüheThe participants received a small treat for their efforts
- Ich habe einen Leckerbissen für dich mitgebrachtI brought a treat for you
- Lass uns eine kleine Nascherei gönnenLet's enjoy a little treat
- Das sieht köstlich aus!That looks delicious!
- 71 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Maximilian are talking about a rude colleague.
- LauraEr behandelt mich immer so unfreundlich.He always treats me so unkindly.
- MaximilianDas sollte er nicht tun, Laura.He shouldn't do that, Laura.
- LauraWie soll ich ihn behandeln?How should I treat him?
- MaximilianBleib einfach höflich und professionell.Just stay polite and professional.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “treat” translations and entries behandeln, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries behandeln, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
