Bekleben

Bekleben is a German verb meaning to affix stickers or labels to a surface, or to cover something with an adhesive material. It can also be used in a broader sense to mean decorating or coating something with a material that adheres. The action is typically applied to objects such as packages, products, or surfaces in contact with labels, stamps, or decals.

Etymology and form: Bekleben is formed with the prefix be- added to the verb kleben (to stick). The prefix be- in this case is inseparable, and the verb follows the standard conjugation pattern of inseparable be- verbs. In the perfect tense it uses haben plus the past participle beklebt: "Ich habe den Karton beklebt." Present tense forms include ich beklebe, du beklebst, er beklebt; wir bekleben, ihr beklebt, sie bekleben.

Usage and variations: The verb is transitive and requires a direct object. It is commonly used with mit to specify the material applied, such as "mit Etiketten bekleben" or "mit Preisschildern bekleben." In industrial or retail contexts, one speaks of products being "mit Barcode-Etiketten beklebt." A related but distinct verb is aufkleben, which emphasizes the act of sticking something onto a surface and can be used in similar situations.

Examples: "Ich habe die Kartons mit Adressetiketten beklebt." "Die Verpackung wurde mit Preisschildern beklebt." "Der Laden beklebte die Regale mit Warnhinweisen."