in Bezug auf

With Regard to (In Bezug Auf)

Level 4

in Bezug auf is a formal way to introduce a topic or establish a connection between two things. It is the German equivalent of 'regarding' or 'with reference to' and is primarily used in professional, academic, or legal contexts.

How It Works

In German, in Bezug auf is a staple of Nominal Style, often found in business emails and official documents.

1. Case Requirement:
The preposition auf in this fixed phrase always takes the accusative case.
Example: in Bezug auf den Bericht (masculine accusative).

2. Spelling and Capitalization:
The old spelling was in bezug auf. Since the 1996 spelling reform, Bezug is capitalized because it functions as a noun within the phrase, and the 2006 revision kept this. In formal writing, you may also see the abbreviation i. B. a. or the interchangeable variant mit Bezug auf.

3. Register and Usage:
While you might use über or zu (about/regarding) in casual conversation, in Bezug auf signals a higher level of precision. Note that wegen is often used casually but technically indicates a cause (because of) rather than a simple reference. Use in Bezug auf to:

  • Respond to a specific point in a letter: In Bezug auf Ihr Schreiben...
  • Address a specific category: In Bezug auf die Kosten...
  • Establish a logical link: Das ist wichtig in Bezug auf unsere Sicherheit.

4. Synonyms:
It is closely related to bezüglich and hinsichtlich, but those synonyms require the genitive case, making in Bezug auf a slightly more accessible alternative for learners who are becoming proficient in the accusative.

Examples (4)

  1. In Bezug auf Ihre Bewerbung haben wir uns für einen anderen Kandidaten entschieden.

    With regard to your application, we have decided on a different candidate.

    Word by Word: In reference on your application have we ourselves for another candidate decided.

    This is a standard formal rejection or update. Note that 'Ihre Bewerbung' is feminine accusative.

  2. Das Unternehmen muss in Bezug auf den Umweltschutz nachbessern.

    The company needs to make improvements regarding environmental protection.

    Word by Word: The company must in reference on the environmental-protection improve.

    Here, 'den Umweltschutz' is masculine accusative. The phrase sets the specific context for the improvements.

  3. Was ist Ihre Meinung in Bezug auf die neue Steuerreform?

    What is your opinion in relation to the new tax reform?

    Word by Word: What is your opinion in reference on the new tax-reform?

    This uses the phrase to ask for a specific perspective on a complex topic.

  4. In Bezug auf diesen Punkt stimme ich Ihnen vollkommen zu.

    Regarding this point, I agree with you completely.

    Word by Word: In reference on this point agree I you completely to.

    A common phrase in debates or professional discussions to signal which specific argument is being addressed.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the dative case instead of the accusative.

    In Bezug auf dem Plan gibt es Fragen.
    In Bezug auf den Plan gibt es Fragen.

    Even though 'auf' can be a two-way preposition, in this fixed expression it always requires the accusative case.

  • Writing 'Bezug' with a lowercase 'b'.

    in bezug auf das Projekt
    in Bezug auf das Projekt

    In modern German orthography, 'Bezug' is a noun and must be capitalized.

  • Using 'im Bezug auf' (contracted article).

    im Bezug auf die Kosten
    in Bezug auf die Kosten

    Standard German uses 'in' without an article. 'Im' (in dem) is considered non-standard or archaic in this specific phrase.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

in Bezug aufLevel 4With Regard to (In Bezug Auf)

Learn This First

To use 'in Bezug auf' correctly, you need to understand that 'auf' triggers the accusative case for the following noun. Additionally, because this phrase is often used at the start of a sentence to introduce a topic, you must be comfortable with German verb-second (V2) word order to ensure the verb remains in the correct position.

Words in This Pattern

in Bezug aufBezug