VERB

dienen/ˈdiːnən/to serve; to be useful; to work (as)

dienen is a German verb that means to serve, to be useful, or to work (as). It is pronounced /ˈdiːnən/. In conjugation, the simple past is "diente" and the past participle is "gedient".

Definitions

1.to work in service to someone; to serve someone(service/employment)

a.to be employed as a servant or soldier

Er diente zehn Jahre in der Armee.He served ten years in the army.

b.to serve someone faithfully or loyally

Der Hund dient seinem Herrn.The dog serves its master.

2.to be used for a purpose; to serve as(utility/function)

a.to be useful or act as something

Das Messer dient zum Schneiden von Brot.The knife is used for cutting bread.

b.to serve as (in the sense of functioning as)

Das alte Gebäude dient jetzt als Museum.The old building now serves as a museum.

Conjugation

Infinitivedienen
Present (ich)diene
Present (du)dienst
Present (er/sie/es)dient
Preterite (ich)diente
Participle IIgedient
Konjunktiv II (ich)diente
Imperative (singular)diene
Imperative (plural)dient
Auxiliaryhaben

Frequently asked questions

What does "dienen" mean in English?
"dienen" means to serve, to be useful, or to work (as). It is a German verb.
How do you pronounce "dienen"?
"dienen" is pronounced /ˈdiːnən/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet.
What is the past participle of "dienen"?
The past participle (Partizip II) of "dienen" is "gedient", used with the auxiliary "haben".
What is the simple past of "dienen"?
In the simple past (Präteritum), "dienen" becomes "diente" in the first person singular.
What part of speech is "dienen"?
"dienen" is a verb in German.

Related verbs

Learn German faster with Alexandria flashcards

Build your German vocabulary with focused flashcard study in the Alexandria app.