to direct / to fix
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to direct to
To address words, a question, a request, or criticism specifically to a person or group.
Der Journalist richtete eine kritische Frage an den Politiker.
The journalist directed a critical question to the politician.
The verb 'richten' is closely related to the adjective 'richtig' (correct/right). Many meanings have to do with the idea of bringing something into the 'richtige' (right) position, making it 'richtig' (right), or passing a 'richtiges' (proper) judgment.
Kannst du bitte das schiefe Bild an der Wand richten?
Can you please straighten the crooked picture on the wall?
The meaning of 'richten' changes significantly depending on the preposition. Pay close attention to whether it is used with 'an' (to), 'nach' (by/according to), 'auf' (at/onto), or 'über' (over/about), as this completely changes the meaning of the sentence.
Er richtete seine Worte an alle Anwesenden.
He directed his words to everyone present.
When you address something to someone, the structure is: 'etwas (Akkusativ) an jemanden (Akkusativ) richten' (to direct/address something to someone). The object that is being directed and the person it is directed to are both in the accusative.
Bitte richten Sie alle Fragen direkt an den Kundenservice.
Please direct all questions straight to customer service.
In the meaning 'to orient oneself', the verb is reflexive and is used with the preposition 'nach' and the dative: 'sich nach jemandem/etwas richten' (to be guided by someone/something).
Ich kann heute flexibel sein und richte mich ganz nach dir.
I can be flexible today and fit in completely with you.
When you aim or align something at a target, you use the preposition 'auf' with the accusative: 'etwas auf etwas/jemanden richten' (to direct something at something/someone).
Die Kinder richteten ihre Wasserpistolen aufeinander.
The children aimed their water pistols at each other.
When it is about judgment, you use the preposition 'über' with the accusative: 'über jemanden/etwas richten' (to judge someone/something).
Man sollte nicht vorschnell über andere Menschen richten.
One should not judge other people too hastily.
The meaning 'to prepare a meal' is rather colloquial and is often used in a family context. Typical phrases are 'das Frühstück richten' (to prepare breakfast) or 'das Abendbrot richten' (to prepare supper).
Meine Oma hat uns früher immer ein tolles Mittagessen gerichtet.
My grandma always used to prepare a wonderful lunch for us.
to sentence / condemn
'verurteilen' and 'richten über' can both mean that someone passes judgment on a person or thing. However, 'verurteilen' is clearer and more common, especially when a court sets a punishment or when you strongly condemn something morally. 'richten über' sounds more elevated or general and emphasizes the act of judging itself. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with 'Urteil' (judgment). As a practical rule: when there is a punishment in court, you normally say 'verurteilen'. When you mean more generally that someone is judging others, 'richten über' fits better.
Niemand sollte zu schnell über andere Menschen richten.
No one should judge other people too quickly.
Das Gericht verurteilt den Angeklagten zu zwei Jahren Gefängnis.
The court sentences the defendant to two years in prison.