preposition
at, by, near
A1
'bei' is a dative preposition meaning 'at', 'by' or 'near'. It indicates location (e.g., 'bei der Freundin' = at a friend's place), proximity, or association (e.g., 'bei der Arbeit', 'bei Regen'). Always takes the dative case; it never governs accusative. Common in spoken and written German.
Examples
Das Geschäft liegt bei der Kirche.
The shop is near the church.
Er arbeitet bei einer großen Firma.
He works at a large company.
Ich bin bei meiner Freundin.
I'm at my friend's place.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture a location pin with 'bei' next to a house indicating 'at someone's place'.
Sounds like English 'by' — both show proximity.
Notes
Governs the dative case. Used for location ('at, with') and affiliation ('at, for').