German word

bestreiten

Pronunciation

IPA/bəˈʃtʁaɪ̯tn̩/

Meaning

  • verbdeny

Example

Ich bestreite die Vorwürfe.

I deny the accusations.

Illustration for bestreiten (deny)

More examples

Sie bestreitet den Vorwurf gegenüber dem Chef.

She denies the accusation to her boss.

Core concept

Something is actively taken on: a claim is challenged with reasons, while a cost is covered by paying it.

Common phrases

  • einen Vorwurf bestreiten

    deny an accusation

  • eine Anschuldigung bestreiten

    deny an allegation

Similar words

widersprechen: Oppose someone's words or opinion.
abstreiten: State that something reported is untrue.
leugnen: Deny the existence of a fact or the occurrence of an event.
verneinen: Respond negatively to a question.

Definition in German

Eine Forderung, ein Urteil oder eine Aussage aktiv anzweifeln und Gegenargumente vorbringen.

Word origin

The German verb bestreiten is formed from be- and inherited Germanic streiten, a verb related to English "strife"; its meanings include disputing and financially covering something.

Usage tips

  • In financial contexts, bestreiten means "cover" or "pay" costs, as in "die Kosten bestreiten," not "deny" them.

Other meanings

  • coververb
  • disputeverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word