German word

verschulden

Pronunciation

IPA/fɛɐ̯ˈʃʊldn̩/

Meaning

  • verbget into debt

Example

Ich habe mich vor Jahren verschuldet.

I got into debt years ago.

Illustration for verschulden (get into debt)

More examples

Während der Krise haben sich viele Haushalte bis zum Hals verschuldet.

During the crisis, many households got up to their necks in debt.

Core concept

A decision leaves its maker or another person carrying a financial or moral burden.

Common phrases

  • sich bis zum Hals verschulden

    get up to ___'s neck in debt

  • sich über Jahre verschulden

    get into debt over the years

Similar words

sich verschulden: To put oneself in debt and assume an obligation to repay.
Schulden machen: To incur new debt when available funds cannot cover payments.
sich Geld leihen: To borrow money from a person or financial institution.
Kredit aufnehmen: To take out a substantial loan through an agreement with a bank or lender.

Definition in German

Meist reflexiv 'sich verschulden' finanzielle Schulden eingehen; seltener transitiv Schaden oder Verantwortung verursachen

Word origin

The verb derives from Schuld, meaning debt or guilt, with the prefix ver- forming a verb for acquiring or bringing about that burden.

Usage tips

  • The usual personal construction is reflexive, sich verschulden; the nonreflexive verb can describe causing a specific loss or being responsible for it.

Other meanings

  • causeverb

Opposites

  • tilgenrepayverb
  • abbezahlenpay off in installmentsverb

Related words

  • Verschuldungindebtednessnoun
  • Verschuldungsquotedebt rationoun

Word lists with this word