verb
to injure, to hurt, to violate (a rule/right)
A2
Verletzen means 'to injure' or 'to hurt' and also 'to violate' (a rule or right). It's a regular (weak) verb using haben as auxiliary. It can be reflexive (sich verletzen = hurt oneself) or transitive (jemanden verletzen = injure someone). Reflexive often implies accidental self-injury.
Examples
Diese Aktion verletzt mehrere Vorschriften und möglicherweise seine Rechte.
This action violates several regulations and may infringe his rights.
Ich verletze mich nicht.
I don't get injured.
Er verletzte sich beim Sport.
He injured himself while playing sports.
Details
Mnemonics
Imagine the prefix 'ver-' as a crack and someone named 'Letz' being harmed — a quick mental image of injury.
Think 'ver-LET-zen' — the 'let' inside reminds you someone is 'let' get harmed (injured).
Notes
Verletzen can be used reflexively (sich verletzen = to hurt oneself) or non-reflexively (jemanden verletzen = to injure/hurt someone). Reflexive often describes accidental self-injury.