German Conversation · Level 168
29 words
German word
bestechen
Pronunciation
IPA/bəˈʃtɛçn̩/
Meaning
- verbbribe
Example
Die Firma hat den Beamten bestochen.
The company bribed the official.
More examples
Seine Rede konnte das Publikum nicht mehr bestechen.
His speech could no longer captivate the audience.
Core concept
An attractive influence moves a person toward approval, whether it comes from a bribe or from an exceptional feature.
Common phrases
durch Worte bestechen
charm with words
einen Amtsträger bestechen
bribe an official
mit Geschenken bestechen
bribe with gifts
Similar words
beeinflussen: To influence someone's decisions or behavior toward a desired outcome.
manipulieren: To manipulate someone's decisions or behavior for personal advantage through schemes or information.
korrumpieren: To corrupt someone's ethics or sense of duty, often by offering money for improper action.
schmieren: To offer cash or gifts to an official or staff member for special treatment, informally.
Definition in German
durch Geld, Geschenke oder Vorteile jemanden beeinflussen, damit er günstig entscheidet oder handelt.
Word origin
Bestechen developed as a be- derivative of Germanic stechen 'to prick or pierce' and has separate established uses for bribery and strong appeal.
Usage tips
- For an impressive quality, bestechen commonly occurs with durch, as in 'Das Design besticht durch seine Einfachheit'.
Other meanings
- impressverb
Related words
- Bestechungbriberynoun
- bestechlichcorruptibleadjective
- bestechendcaptivatingadjective