verb
to treat, to handle, to deal with
B1
Behandeln: means 'to treat' (medically), 'to handle' (objects) and 'to deal with' (issues). It's a regular weak verb using haben as auxiliary. Non‑reflexive and non‑separable. Often used in passive (wird behandelt), but no stem changes. Context determines medical versus procedural meaning.
Examples
Der Arzt behandelte den Patienten, nachdem die Untersuchung beendet war.
The doctor treated the patient after the examination had been completed.
Sie hat ihn gut behandelt.
She treated him well.
Bitte behandeln Sie das Paket vorsichtig.
Please handle the package carefully.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture a doctor handling a patient gently — 'behandeln' = to treat.
Think 'be-HANDLE-n' → handle → treat/handle something.
Notes
Behandeln is a regular transitive verb used in medical, technical, and everyday contexts. Can be reflexive in specific idiomatic uses (e.g., 'sich mit etwas behandeln' is uncommon).