All German word comparisons · Back to the topic overview
Meaning, sentence patterns and examples
| Word | Core meaning | Typical context | Grammar |
|---|---|---|---|
| fertig | finished; prepared; exhausted | completed work; getting dressed; fatigue | fertig mit + dative; fertig für + accusative |
| bereit | ready; willing | preparedness or willingness to act | bereit für + accusative; bereit zu + dative |
fertig
Meaning and usage: Fertig presents something as complete or someone as fully prepared. Die Arbeit ist fertig means the work is done; bist du fertig? can ask whether someone is ready to leave because their preparations are finished. In informal speech, fertig can mean worn out or overwhelmed.
Grammar: Adjective: die fertige Arbeit; predicative fertig without an ending. Fertig sein mit etwas uses mit + dative. Für + accusative names what the preparation serves. Comparatives may occur contextually, but basic completed/not-completed meanings do not normally need grading.
Ich bin mit der Hausaufgabe fertig und kann jetzt gehen.
I have finished the homework and can leave now.
bereit
Meaning and usage: Bereit describes readiness or willingness for something. Ich bin bereit zu helfen expresses consent or willingness, not the completion of helping. An object can also be bereit for use. The term does not require enthusiasm: someone may be willing while still feeling nervous.
Grammar: Adjective, commonly predicative: das Team ist bereit. Predicative bereit has no ending. Bereit sein für etwas uses für + accusative. Bereit sein zu etwas uses zu + dative; bereit sein, etwas zu tun uses an infinitive clause.
Ich bin bereit, beim Umzug zu helfen.
I am willing to help with the move.
Overlap and context
Fertig zur Abreise and bereit zur Abreise can both describe readiness to leave. Fertig often foregrounds completed preparation; bereit foregrounds preparedness or willingness. The difference is useful but not absolute: Duden explicitly includes bereit in a fertig meaning. A tired person’s Ich bin völlig fertig is a separate informal sense and may have nothing to do with readiness. Listen to what comes next, not only the adjective.
Common mistakes
- Do not use fertig when you only mean willing to do a future action. Bereit is clearer.
- Avoid Ich bin fertig die Aufgabe as a direct translation. Use Ich bin mit der Aufgabe fertig.
- Do not assume Ich bin fertig always reports that a task is completed; it may mean exhaustion.
Memory aid: Fertig: preparation or work has reached its end. Bereit: you are prepared or willing to begin. Remember their overlap when getting ready.
Try it
Which fits willingness? Ich bin ___, morgen früher zu kommen.
Show the answer
bereit
Bereit, … zu expresses willingness or readiness for the action.