01
beschimpfen
to insult
To attack someone with insulting, degrading, or abusive words.
example
Der Autofahrer stieg aus und beschimpfte den Radfahrer wüst.
The driver got out and viciously insulted the cyclist.
beschimpfen
to insult
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Meanings
Usage tips
Structure of the verb
'Beschimpfen' (to insult) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'be-' makes the verb 'schimpfen' (to scold) transitive, meaning that the action is directed at a person or thing in the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Er hat den Schiedsrichter nach dem Spiel wütend beschimpft.
He angrily insulted the referee after the game.
Sentence structure with 'als'
To name the exact insult, the construction 'jemanden als etwas beschimpfen' (to insult someone as something) is often used. This lets you include the insult directly in the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Sie beschimpfte ihn als Lügner und Feigling.
She called him a liar and a coward.
Typical adverbs
The intensity of the insulting is often made clear through adverbs. Typical combinations are 'jemanden wüst beschimpfen' (to viciously insult someone), 'aufs Übelste beschimpfen' (to insult someone in the worst possible way), or 'öffentlich beschimpfen' (to publicly insult someone).
EXAMPLE
Die Demonstranten beschimpften die Politiker aufs Übelste.
The demonstrators insulted the politicians in the worst possible way.
Compare with
beschimpfen vs nennen
to call / name
'nennen' and 'beschimpfen' can overlap when someone is described with a negative expression. 'nennen' then describes which word or label someone uses. It can be neutral, but also derogatory, for example 'Er nannte ihn einen Lügner' (he called him a liar). 'beschimpfen' is stronger: it means attacking someone with insulting words. Learners may confuse the words because both occur in arguments. 'nennen' emphasizes the label; 'beschimpfen' emphasizes the insult and the attack.
beschimpfen
Beim Streit im Zug beschimpfte sie den anderen Fahrgast laut.
During the argument on the train, she loudly insulted the other passenger.
nennen
Der Lehrer nennt das Verhalten unfair, weil niemand zuhört.
The teacher calls the behavior unfair because no one is listening.
In real life
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