to applaud
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to applaud
To clap one's hands in order to express applause, approval, or recognition, typically after an artistic performance, a speech, or an athletic achievement.
Nach dem beeindruckenden Klaviersolo applaudierte das Publikum minutenlang.
After the impressive piano solo, the audience applauded for minutes.
This verb is used with the dative. You applaud a person or a thing. So the structure is: Jemand applaudiert jemandem/etwas (someone applauds someone/something).
Das ganze Stadion applaudierte der Siegermannschaft.
The whole stadium applauded the winning team.
You can tell from the object whether the literal or figurative meaning is intended. If you applaud a person (e.g. an artist) or a group, it usually means clapping. If you applaud an abstract idea (e.g. a decision), it means approval.
Das Publikum applaudierte dem Pianisten nach dem Konzert.
The audience applauded the pianist after the concert.
The ending '-ieren' shows that 'applaudieren' (to applaud) is a loanword that comes from Latin. It is conjugated like all regular verbs ending in '-ieren'.
Er applaudierte, als der Redner seine Rede beendete.
He applauded when the speaker finished his speech.
In the literal sense, 'applaudieren' (to applaud) is often combined with adverbs that describe the type of applause, for example 'begeistert' (enthusiastically), 'stürmisch' (rapturously), 'laut' (loudly), or 'langanhaltend' (sustained).
Die Zuschauer standen auf und applaudierten begeistert.
The spectators stood up and applauded enthusiastically.
to criticize
'kritisieren' and 'applaudieren' are opposites here. Someone who 'kritisiert' something points out mistakes or problems and expresses disapproval. Someone who 'applaudiert' shows approval, recognition, or joy, often by clapping. 'applaudieren' can also be used figuratively when you strongly support a decision. So the contrast is: a negative judgment with 'kritisieren', but positive approval or applause with 'applaudieren'.
Nach dem letzten Lied applaudiert das Publikum lange.
After the last song, the audience applauds for a long time.
Nach der Vorstellung kritisieren einige Zuschauer die schlechte Technik.
After the performance, some audience members criticize the poor technical setup.