German Conversation · Level 101
59 words
German word
vergeben
Pronunciation
IPA/fɛɐ̯ˈgeːbən/
Meaning
- adjectivetaken
Example
Sie ist vergeben.
She is taken.
More examples
Sie ist nicht mehr vergeben.
She is no longer in a relationship.
Core concept
A person whose romantic availability has been given away, like a seat marked reserved.
Common phrases
schon vergeben
already in a relationship
an jemanden vergeben sein
be in a relationship with someone
Similar words
verheiratet: Legally married and having a spouse.
ledig: Not married and without a spouse.
verlobt: Formally engaged to be married.
liiert: In an informal romantic relationship.
Definition in German
in einer festen Beziehung sein; nicht alleinstehend
Word origin
The adjective vergeben is the past participle of German vergeben, built from geben with ver-, and its relationship sense developed from being given away and no longer available.
Usage tips
- In the relationship sense, vergeben usually occurs with sein, as in "Sie ist vergeben", while "jemandem vergeben" means to forgive someone.