German Conversation · Level 40
73 words
German word
beklagen
Pronunciation
IPA/bəˈklaːgn̩/
Meaning
- verbcomplain
Example
Er beklagt sich oft über den Lärm.
He often complains about the noise.
More examples
Sie beklagt sich oft bei Freunden über die Preise.
She often complains to friends about the prices.
Core concept
A person puts a grievance into words, either toward a problem or as a lament for what is lost.
Common phrases
sich beklagen bei Freunden
complain to friends
sich beklagen über die Preise
complain about the prices
Similar words
beschweren: State a complaint or request directly to the responsible person.
reklamieren: Notify a seller or provider about a faulty product or service and seek action.
jammern: Keep voicing complaints or sorrow in a plaintive, whining way.
Definition in German
seinen Kummer oder Ärger in Worte fassen; häufig reflexiv mit 'sich beklagen über + Akk.' und gelegentlich transitiv im Sinne von 'etwas beklagen'
Word origin
Beklagen is formed from be- and inherited Germanic klagen, whose basic sense involves voicing complaint or lament.
Usage tips
- Transitive beklagen takes a direct object and often means lament or deplore, while sich beklagen usually means complain.