German word

bemängeln

Pronunciation

IPA/bəˈmɛŋl̩n/

Meaning

  • verbcomplain about

Example

Er bemängelt oft das Essen im Restaurant.

He often complains about the food at the restaurant.

Illustration for bemängeln (complain about)

More examples

Anwohner bemängeln den unzureichenden Lärmschutz.

Local residents complain about the inadequate noise protection.

Core concept

A person points to a specific flaw in a meal or other object while voicing criticism.

Common phrases

  • den Umgang bemängeln

    complain about the way things are handled

  • die Informationspolitik bemängeln

    complain about the information policy

  • die Handhabung bemängeln

    complain about the way it is handled

Similar words

kritisieren: To express critical judgment about an action or opinion.
sich beschweren: To express dissatisfaction while seeking a response or improvement.
beanstanden: To formally point out a defect or shortcoming as a problem.

Definition in German

bemängeln bedeutet, etwas als mangelhaft zu bezeichnen und konkrete Kritik zu äußern.

Word origin

Bemängeln derives from Mangel, meaning a defect or shortage, with the verb-forming prefix be- directing the action toward something.

Usage tips

  • Bemängeln takes a direct accusative object, as in "Er bemängelt das Essen", rather than a preposition such as English "complain about" often uses.

Other meanings

  • criticizeverb

Opposites

Related words

  • Bemängelungexpression of dissatisfactionnoun
  • bemängelbarcriticizableadjective

Word lists with this word