German Conversation · Level 77
59 words
German word
klagen
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈklaːgən/
Meaning
- verbcomplain
Example
Sie klagt oft über den Lärm.
She often complains about the noise.
More examples
Sie klagt bei der Familie über kleine Probleme.
She complains to her family about small problems.
Core concept
A person gives voice to a grievance, from everyday displeasure and grief to a formal claim in court.
Common phrases
über Kleinigkeiten klagen
complain about little things
bei der Familie klagen
complain to one's family
über den Chef klagen
complain about one's boss
Similar words
sich beschweren: State dissatisfaction to someone while seeking action or improvement.
sich beklagen: Share dissatisfaction or suffering with others.
meckern: Grumble insistently about minor problems or annoyances.
jammern: Voice sadness or hardship in a weak, plaintive way.
Definition in German
mit Worten Unzufriedenheit über etwas ausdrücken
Word origin
German klagen continues Middle High German klagen and Old High German klagōn, an inherited Germanic verb associated with lamenting and expressing grief.
Usage tips
- For a complaint about something, klagen normally takes über with the accusative, as in über den Lärm klagen.