German Conversation · Level 86
59 words
German word
opfern
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈɔpfɐn/
Meaning
- verbsacrifice
Example
Er opfert seine Zeit für die Familie.
He sacrifices his time for his family.
More examples
In einigen Dörfern opfert man noch Tiere als Teil alter Rituale.
In some villages, people still sacrifice animals as part of old rituals.
Core concept
Something important is placed at the service of another purpose, with its owner knowingly bearing the cost.
Common phrases
eine Karriere opfern
sacrifice a career
Similar words
aufopfern: Putting personal needs or well-being aside for someone else's sake.
verzichten: Choosing to let go of something desired or a right.
spenden: Providing money, goods, or time without payment for charity or a need.
widmen: Setting aside time or effort for a particular person, task, or purpose.
Definition in German
freiwillig einen Teil von etwas aufgeben, sodass der Gebende einen Verlust oder Nachteil erleidet; oft Zeit, Besitz oder Leben betroffen
Word origin
The verb opfern was formed from the German noun Opfer, which came through Old and Middle High German from Latin offerre.
Usage tips
- In sich fuer jemanden opfern, the reflexive form makes clear that the subject sacrifices personal interests or well-being for someone else.
Other meanings
- dedicateverb
- offerverb
Opposites
- bewahrenpreserveverb
- festhaltenhold on toverb
Related words
- Opferrollevictim rolenoun