verb
to forgive
B1
Verzeihen: means 'to forgive' or 'to excuse'. Strong (irregular) verb with past participle verziehen and Präteritum stem verzieh-. Uses auxiliary haben (hat verziehen) and is non‑reflexive. Imperative forms include 'verzeih!' (du). Often used transitively (jemandem verzeihen) and may take a dative object.
Examples
Die Mutter verzieh dem Jungen, weil er seine Fehler einsah.
The mother forgave the boy because he acknowledged his mistakes.
Er verzieh ihr den Fehler.
He forgave her for the mistake.
Ich verzeihe dir.
I forgive you.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture someone sighing in relief as another person says 'I forgive you' — that sigh = verzeihen
ver-ZEIH-en — think 'very sigh' (sigh with relief after being forgiven)
N/A
Notes
Irregular (strong) verb. Commonly used in personal and social contexts: someone verzeiht jemandem (often with a dative object). | Passive forms are generally not applicable (verb typically takes a dative object; personal passive is rare).