German Conversation · Level 146
29 words
German word
schimpfen
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈʃɪmpfən/
Meaning
- verbtell off
Example
Die Mutter schimpft mit dem Kind.
The mother is telling the child off.
More examples
Die Chefin schimpft den Praktikanten vor dem ganzen Team.
The boss told the intern off in front of the whole team.
Core concept
An angry speaker directs forceful words at a person or a subject of dissatisfaction.
Common phrases
mit jemandem schimpfen
tell ___ off
vor anderen schimpfen
scold in front of others
Similar words
beschimpfen: Verbally attack someone with insulting language.
kritisieren: Identify faults or problems and state a negative assessment.
vorwerfen: Hold someone responsible for a past action or mistake.
tadeln: Mildly criticize someone for not meeting rules or expectations.
Definition in German
jemandem laut und heftig Vorwürfe machen; oft mit 'mit' für die Person oder 'über' für das Thema
Word origin
The verb comes from Middle High German schimpfen and schimpf, words associated with mockery, reproach, and verbal abuse.
Usage tips
- With a person, "mit jemandem schimpfen" takes the dative, while "ueber etwas schimpfen" takes the accusative for the subject of complaint.
Other meanings
- complainverb
Related words
- beschimpfeninsultverb
- das Schimpfwortswear wordnoun