German Conversation · Level 50
75 words
German word
verteidigen
Pronunciation
IPA/fɛɐ̯ˈtaɪ̯dɪgn̩/
Meaning
- verbprotect
Example
Er verteidigt seine Familie.
He protects his family.
More examples
Im Streit verteidigt er seine Position ruhig.
In the argument, he calmly defends his position.
Core concept
A person stands between a threatened family, cause, or position and the force pressing against it.
Common phrases
seine Meinung verteidigen
defend one's opinion
jemanden verteidigen
defend someone
sich gegen Vorwürfe verteidigen
defend oneself against accusations
Similar words
schützen: Keeping a person or thing safe from physical harm or outside danger.
beschützen: Guarding a vulnerable person closely so that danger stays away.
sich wehren: Resisting or striking back when facing an attack or accusation.
rechtfertigen: Explaining why an action or opinion is right to fend off criticism.
Definition in German
Sich oder andere aktiv gegen Gefahren, Angriffe oder Kritik zur Wehr setzen und deren Sicherheit oder Position bewahren.
Word origin
German verteidigen developed from Middle High German verteidingen, an older verb linked to Eid and the idea of securing something by oath.
Usage tips
- Verteidigen takes an accusative object, as in seine Familie verteidigen, while sich verteidigen means to defend oneself.