betragen
Translation
to amount to, to be, to behave
Examples
Die Rechnung beträgt 50 Euro.
The bill amounts to 50 euros.
Der Abstand beträgt zehn Meter.
The distance is ten meters.
Er hat sich schlecht betragen.
He behaved badly.
Grammar Patterns
((et4)) to amount to sth. The bill amounts to 50 euros.
((sich)) to behave He behaved badly.
Similar Words
to amount to: ausmachen, sich belaufen auf; to behave: sich verhalten
Etymology
From the prefix 'be-' and 'tragen' (to carry). It 'carries' a certain value or amount.
Memory Tips
Think of an invoice 'carrying' (tragen) a total amount. The reflexive form 'sich betragen' means 'to carry oneself', hence 'to behave'.