01
anzweifeln
to question
To express or have doubts about the correctness, truth, or authenticity of something.
example
Der Anwalt zweifelte die Glaubwürdigkeit des Zeugen an.
The lawyer questioned the credibility of the witness.
anzweifeln
to doubt / question
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Meanings
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Anzweifeln' (to doubt / question) is a separable verb. The prefix 'an-' is separated from the verb in a main clause and placed at the end of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Er zweifelte ihre Geschichte sofort an.
He immediately questioned her story.
Sentence structure with accusative
This verb always needs a direct object in the accusative. You question 'etwas' (something). This is a fixed grammatical pattern.
EXAMPLE
Die Opposition zweifelt die neuen Zahlen der Regierung an.
The opposition is questioning the government's new figures.
Typical collocations
You typically question abstract things. Common objects are: eine Aussage (a statement), ein Ergebnis (a result), die Glaubwürdigkeit (credibility), eine Theorie (a theory), or eine Entscheidung (a decision).
EXAMPLE
Niemand wagte es, die Entscheidung des Chefs anzuzweifeln.
No one dared to question the boss's decision.
Compare with
anzweifeln vs Frage
question
'in Frage stellen' and 'anzweifeln' mean almost the same thing in many situations: you are not sure whether something is correct, true, or valid. 'anzweifeln' is a simple verb and says directly that someone has doubts. 'in Frage stellen' is a fixed expression with 'die Frage' and often sounds a bit more general or formal. It can also express that you no longer simply accept a decision, a rule, or a statement. In ordinary texts, both can often be used in similar ways.
anzweifeln
Der Kunde zweifelt an, dass die Rechnung richtig berechnet wurde.
The customer questions whether the invoice was calculated correctly.
Frage
Nach dem Fehler stellt das Team die Zahlen im Bericht in Frage.
After the mistake, the team questions the figures in the report.
In real life
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