verb
to condemn, to sentence
B1
Verurteilen: verb meaning 'to condemn' or 'to sentence'. Regular (weak) verb with participle verurteilt; uses auxiliary haben in perfect (hat verurteilt). Non‑reflexive and inseparable prefix (not separable). Commonly used both transitively (jmdn. verurteilen) and in passive constructions (er wurde verurteilt). Especially in legal contexts.
Examples
Die internationalen Politiker verurteilten das Verbrechen.
International politicians condemned the crime.
Das Gericht verurteilte den Angeklagten zu fünf Jahren Gefängnis.
The court sentenced the defendant to five years in prison.
Der Richter verurteilte den Angeklagten.
The judge sentenced the accused.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture a judge's gavel (verdict) stamping a paper that reads 'Verurteilung' — a clear image of condemnation or sentencing.
Sounds like 'ver-ur-tail-en' — imagine a judge giving a verbal 'tail' (sentence).
Notes
Can mean moral condemnation or a legal sentencing depending on context: 'verurteilen' can be used both in public/political language and in legal contexts.