01
entkräften
to refute
To disprove an argument, suspicion, or accusation and take away its validity or force.
example
Die neuen Beweise entkräfteten die Anklage vollständig.
The new evidence completely refuted the charges.
entkräften
to refute / weaken
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of the prefix 'ent-' (to take away) and the word 'Kraft' (strength, force). 'Entkräften' therefore literally means to take strength or force away from someone or something. This applies both to the force of an argument and to a person's physical strength.
EXAMPLE
Der Anwalt konnte das Hauptargument der Gegenseite entkräften.
The lawyer was able to refute the opposing side's main argument.
Inseparable verb
'Entkräften' (to refute / weaken) is an inseparable verb because it begins with 'ent-'. The prefix remains firmly attached to the verb in all sentence forms and tenses and is never placed at the end of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Die Zeugenaussage hat den Verdacht nicht entkräftet.
The witness statement did not refute the suspicion.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the object: when abstract things like an argument, an accusation, or a suspicion are the object, it means 'to refute'. When a person or living being is the object, it means 'to physically weaken'.
EXAMPLE
Die Studie entkräftet die alte Theorie. (widerlegen)
The study refutes the old theory. (to refute)
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'to refute', the verb is frequently used with these nouns: 'einen Vorwurf entkräften' (to refute an accusation), 'ein Argument entkräften' (to refute an argument), 'einen Verdacht entkräften' (to dispel a suspicion), or 'eine Kritik entkräften' (to counter criticism).
EXAMPLE
Mit den neuen Daten konnte sie die Kritik an ihrer Arbeit entkräfen.
With the new data, she was able to refute the criticism of her work.
Compare with
entkräften vs bestätigen
to confirm
'bestätigen' and 'entkräften' are opposites here. 'bestätigen' means that an impression, a suspicion, or an opinion becomes stronger or proves to be correct. 'entkräften', on the other hand, means that an argument, suspicion, or accusation loses its force because it is refuted. If new facts support a statement, they can confirm it. If new facts speak against a statement, they can refute it.
entkräften
Mit klaren Beweisen entkräftet die Schülerin den Vorwurf des Abschreibens.
With clear evidence, the student refutes the accusation of copying.
bestätigen
Die neuen Zahlen bestätigen seinen Eindruck, dass der Plan funktioniert.
The new figures confirm his impression that the plan is working.
In real life
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