to complain / claim
Loading your saved state.
to complain
To complain about defective goods or an inadequate service and demand a repair, an exchange, or a refund of the purchase price.
Die Kaffeemaschine war schon nach einer Woche kaputt, also habe ich sie reklamiert.
The coffee machine broke after just one week, so I complained about it.
to claim
To claim or demand something for oneself because one believes one has a right to it. This is often used in sports when a referee's decision is challenged.
Die gesamte Mannschaft reklamierte lautstark ein Handspiel, aber der Pfiff blieb aus.
The entire team loudly claimed a handball, but no whistle came.
'Reklamieren' (to complain / claim) ends in '-ieren', which is typical for verbs borrowed from other languages. These verbs are always regular and form the past participle without 'ge-'.
Er hat den defekten Toaster gestern reklamiert.
He complained about the defective toaster yesterday.
You always 'reklamiert' (complain about) a product or service (accusative). The complaint is often addressed 'bei' a person or a shop/business (dative).
Ich möchte diese Hose beim Geschäftsführer reklamieren.
I would like to complain about these pants to the manager.
The meaning 'einfordern' (to demand/claim) is used almost exclusively in sports. Typical situations include claiming a free kick or pointing out a foul to the referee.
Der Stürmer reklamierte sofort ein Foul, aber das Spiel lief weiter.
The striker immediately claimed a foul, but play continued.
to complain / to weigh down
Both words can express dissatisfaction with a product or service. „Sich beschweren“ is more general, while „reklamieren“ refers to a specific defect and usually involves requesting a repair, exchange, or refund. „Reklamieren“ is therefore especially appropriate for a defective product.
Ich reklamiere die Schuhe, weil sich nach einer Woche die Sohle löst.
I’m returning the shoes as defective because the sole started coming off after a week.
Ich beschwere mich beim Geschäft über den schlechten Service.
I’m complaining to the store about the poor service.
