German word

zusprechen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈtsuːˌʃprɛçn̩/

Meaning

  • verbencourage

Example

Ich spreche dir Mut zu.

I'm encouraging you.

Illustration for zusprechen (encourage)

More examples

Die Jury spricht der Autorin Anerkennung zu.

The jury awards the author recognition.

Core concept

Words or an official decision direct encouragement, a quality, or a right toward a person.

Common phrases

  • jemandem Mut zusprechen

    encourage ___

  • jemandem das Recht zusprechen

    grant ___ the right

Similar words

ermutigen: Encouraging someone to take on a challenge through words or actions.
aufmuntern: Lifting the spirits of someone who feels discouraged.
bestärken: Strengthening someone's confidence in an idea or decision.
motivieren: Inspiring someone to act by showing reasons or a purpose.

Definition in German

jemandem etwas durch Worte oder durch eine Entscheidung zukommen lassen; besonders gebräuchlich: jemandem Mut zusprechen.

Word origin

The separable verb combines zu, meaning "toward", with sprechen, "speak", forming the idea of speaking something toward a person and extending to granting or assigning it.

Usage tips

  • In a main clause, zusprechen separates, so the prefix appears at the end, while an infinitive or subordinate clause keeps zusprechen together.

Other meanings

  • attributeverb
  • grantverb

Opposites

  • entmutigendiscourageverb

Related words

  • Zuspruchencouragementnoun
  • Zusprechunggrantingnoun

Word lists with this word