01
verbal
Expressed with words; spoken or written.
example
Die beiden Politiker lieferten sich ein heftiges verbales Duell im Fernsehen.
The two politicians engaged in a heated verbal duel on television.
verbal
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
'Verbal' is related to the noun 'das Verb' (verb/action word). Both words come from the Latin 'verbum', which means 'word'. This helps you understand both meanings of the adjective: it is always about words.
EXAMPLE
Sie löste den Konflikt durch verbale Deeskalation.
She resolved the conflict through verbal de-escalation.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'with words', 'verbal' is often used for communication and conflicts. Typical combinations are 'verbale Angriffe' (verbal attacks), 'eine verbale Auseinandersetzung' (a verbal dispute), or 'verbale Fähigkeiten' (verbal skills).
EXAMPLE
Er ist für seine scharfen verbalen Angriffe bekannt.
He is known for his sharp verbal attacks.
Context clue
This meaning is often used as the opposite of 'nonverbal' (e.g. body language) or 'physisch' (physical). The context makes it clear that it is only about words.
EXAMPLE
Der Streit war rein verbal, es gab keine körperliche Gewalt.
The argument was purely verbal; there was no physical violence.
Context clue
This meaning is a technical term from linguistics. You can recognize it because it appears in the context of grammar, sentence analysis, or verbs.
EXAMPLE
Die Endung „-st“ bei „du gehst“ ist ein verbales Merkmal der zweiten Person Singular.
The ending '-st' in 'du gehst' (you go) is a verbal feature of the second person singular.
Compare with
verbal vs körperlich
physical
'körperlich' and 'verbal' are often opposites when talking about behavior or attacks. 'körperlich' then means with the body, for example through hitting, pushing, or touching. 'verbal' means with words, either spoken or written. Learners may confuse the words because both can describe a type of action. The difference is simple: 'körperlich' happens with the body; 'verbal' happens through language.
verbal
Sie hat ihre Kritik verbal sehr deutlich geäußert.
She expressed her criticism very clearly in words.
körperlich
Beim Streit wurde niemand körperlich verletzt.
No one was physically injured during the argument.
In real life
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