German word

verdienen

Pronunciation

IPA/fɛɐ̯ˈdiːnən/

Meaning

  • verbearn

Example

Sie verdient genug für die Miete.

She earns enough to pay the rent.

Illustration for verdienen (earn)

More examples

Sie verdient nur wenig in ihrem neuen Job.

She earns very little in her new job.

Core concept

A person's effort or conduct creates a fitting return, such as pay, recognition, or a penalty.

Common phrases

  • Geld verdienen

    earn money

  • wenig verdienen

    earn little

Similar words

bekommen: Receive an object or money from another person.
kriegen: Get an object or money from another person in casual speech.
arbeiten: Perform work while using time and energy.
zahlen: Give money to another person to cover a price or expense.

Definition in German

Durch eigene Leistung oder Verhalten Anspruch auf Belohnung, Anerkennung oder Strafe haben oder diese erhalten.

Word origin

German verdienen is an inherited Germanic verb recorded in Middle High German as verdienen and historically related to dienen, meaning 'to serve'.

Usage tips

  • Verdienen takes an accusative object and forms the perfect with haben, as in Er hat viel Geld verdient.

Other meanings

  • make moneyverb
  • deserveverb

Related words

Word lists with this word