Breakdown of Das Menü auf dem Display bedient sich intuitiv.
auf
on / to (down/up to a level)
sich
oneself / himself / herself / themselves (reflexive pronoun)
das Menü
the menu (computing, set meal)
bedienen
to operate
Questions & Answers about Das Menü auf dem Display bedient sich intuitiv.
Why is the reflexive pronoun sich used here if a menu cannot physically operate itself?
This is the reflexive middle voice, which acts as a substitute for the passive voice. Instead of using the true passive (wird bedient) or the modal passive (lässt sich bedienen), German often uses an active reflexive construction to say how a thing 'allows itself' to be handled. It is similar to English phrases like 'the car drives well' or 'the book reads easily.'
Does bedient sich mean the exact same thing as the regular passive wird bedient?
There is a slight difference. The standard passive (wird intuitiv bedient) just states a fact: someone is operating it intuitively. The reflexive alternative (bedient sich intuitiv) emphasizes an inherent quality of the menu itself—it implies that the menu is designed so well that it can be operated intuitively. It is very close in meaning to lässt sich intuitiv bedienen (can be operated intuitively).
Can I use this reflexive passive alternative with any verb?
No, it usually only works with transitive verbs (verbs that take a direct object) and almost always requires an adverb that describes how the action is performed. Common adverbs used in this structure are gut, schlecht, leicht, schwer, or, as in this sentence, intuitiv. You generally wouldn't say just Das Menü bedient sich without the adverb.
Why is it auf dem Display (dative) instead of auf das Display (accusative)?