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 beleidigen
to insult
Beleidigen is broader and includes derogatory words as well as disrespectful behavior. Beschimpfen, by contrast, refers to a direct attack using insulting or abusive words. Beschimpfen is therefore especially appropriate for harsh insults, while Beleidigen fits another kind of disrespectful action.
beschimpfen
Mit groben Schimpfwörtern beschimpfte der Mann seine Nachbarin.
The man verbally abused his neighbor with harsh swear words.
beleidigen
Mit einer abfälligen Geste beleidigte der Mann seine Nachbarin.
The man insulted his neighbor with a disparaging gesture.
In real life
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