to deny
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to deny
To officially reject or retract a claim, rumor, or news report as untrue.
Der Pressesprecher dementierte die Gerüchte über den Rücktritt des Ministers.
The press spokesperson denied the rumors about the minister's resignation.
'Dementieren' (to deny) is a formal word that occurs almost exclusively in written language, in news reports, press releases, and official statements. It is not used in normal everyday speech.
Die Firma dementierte die Berichte über finanzielle Probleme.
The company denied the reports about financial problems.
You can either directly deny a noun in the accusative or use a subordinate clause with 'dass' (that). The subject is usually an official person or institution.
Die Regierung dementierte die Gerüchte.
The government denied the rumors.
Common objects used with 'dementieren' (to deny) are 'Gerüchte' (rumors), 'Berichte' (reports), 'Meldungen' (reports/news items), 'Aussagen' (statements), or 'Spekulationen' (speculation).
Der Sportler dementierte die Doping-Vorwürfe.
The athlete denied the doping allegations.
to confirm
'bestätigen' and 'dementieren' are opposites when it comes to news, claims, or information. With 'bestätigen', you officially or clearly say that something is true. With 'dementieren', you officially reject a claim as false. This contrast is especially important in the news, with rumors, or in public statements: information is either confirmed or denied.
Der Politiker dementiert das Gerücht über seinen Rücktritt.
The politician denies the rumor about his resignation.
Die Firma bestätigt, dass der neue Vertrag unterschrieben ist.
The company confirms that the new contract has been signed.