German Conversation · Level 42
75 words
German word
verlangen
Pronunciation
IPA/fɛɐ̯ˈlaŋən/
Meaning
- verbdemand
Example
Er verlangte sofort eine Erklärung.
He immediately demanded an explanation.
More examples
Sie verlangt eine Entschuldigung.
She demands an apology.
Core concept
A person stretches toward a target, sometimes to claim it and sometimes because desire draws the person toward it.
Common phrases
eine Entschuldigung verlangen
demand an apology
Geld zurück verlangen
demand a refund
von jemandem etwas verlangen
demand something from someone
Similar words
bitten: To politely ask someone to do something.
fordern: To strongly demand a response or action.
sich sehnen nach: To deeply yearn for something.
Definition in German
verlangen bedeutet, von einer Person etwas verbindlich einzufordern.
Word origin
Verlangen is a Germanic formation with ver- attached to langen, whose older sense involved reaching, leading to the modern meanings of demanding and yearning.
Usage tips
- In formal or official contexts, verlangen can sound stronger than English ask for and often suggests that the requested thing is considered due.