to denounce
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to denounce
To publicly and sharply criticize or condemn something or someone. The goal is to draw attention to misconduct or a problem and expose those responsible.
Die Menschenrechtsorganisation prangerte die katastrophalen Zustände in den Gefängnissen an.
The human rights organization denounced the catastrophic conditions in the prisons.
'Anprangern' (to denounce) is a separable verb. The prefix 'an-' comes at the end of the main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Der Journalist prangert die Korruption im Rathaus an.
The journalist denounces the corruption in city hall.
The verb is derived from 'Pranger' (pillory), a medieval instrument of punishment on which convicted people were publicly displayed. This idea of public exposure is still contained in the modern meaning.
Die Aktivisten prangerten die umweltschädlichen Praktiken des Unternehmens an.
The activists denounced the company's environmentally harmful practices.
One typically denounces negative, abstract things. Common objects are 'Missstände' (abuses/problems), 'Zustände' (conditions), 'Bedingungen' (conditions), 'Ungerechtigkeit' (injustice), or 'Verhalten' (behavior).
In ihrem Buch prangert sie die sozialen Ungerechtigkeiten an.
In her book, she denounces social injustices.
'Anprangern' (to denounce) is a strong and rather formal word. It is frequently used in the media, in politics, and by organizations to draw attention to serious problems.
Die Opposition prangerte die neue Politik der Regierung scharf an.
The opposition sharply denounced the government's new policy.
to sentence / condemn
Verurteilen and anprangern both express strong disapproval. Verurteilen emphasizes the negative moral judgment. Anprangern additionally makes a grievance publicly visible and can expose those responsible. Use verurteilen for a judgment, and anprangern for targeted public criticism.
Die Bürgermeisterin prangert die Korruption in ihrer Stadt öffentlich an.
The mayor publicly denounced corruption in her city.
Die Bürgermeisterin verurteilt die Korruption in ihrer Stadt scharf.
The mayor strongly condemned corruption in her city.
