Verb

bedienen

Translation

to serve, to wait on, to operate, to use

Der Kellner bedient die Gäste.

The waiter serves the guests.

Kannst du diese Maschine bedienen?

Can you operate this machine?

Bitte bedienen Sie sich!

Please help yourself!

((j-n)) bedienen to serve (sb.) The waiter is serving the guest.

((et4)) bedienen to operate (sth.) I can operate the computer.

sich bedienen to help oneself Please help yourself at the buffet!

Synonyms: servieren (to serve food), handhaben (to handle)

The prefix 'be-' often makes a verb transitive, requiring an object. Combined with 'dienen' (to serve), it means 'to serve someone'.

The prefix 'be-' often acts upon an object. Here, you 'dienen' (serve) and the 'be-' directs that service *to* someone or something.