verhallen
to fade away
To gradually become quieter and eventually no longer be heard; this applies especially to sounds, tones, or noises.
EXAMPLE
Der Donner verhallte langsam in der Ferne.
The thunder slowly faded away in the distance.
verhallen
to fade away
verhallen – verhallte – ist verhallt
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Meanings
verhallen
to go unheeded
To have no effect or receive no response and therefore have no further significance; this is usually used figuratively of words, calls, or appeals.
EXAMPLE
Sein Appell verhallte bei den Verantwortlichen ungehört.
His appeal went unheeded by those responsible.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry verhallen, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
Present
| ich | verhalle |
|---|---|
| du | verhallst |
| er/sie/es | verhallt |
| wir | verhallen |
| ihr | verhallt |
| sie | verhallen |
Simple past
| ich | verhallte |
|---|---|
| du | verhalltest |
| er/sie/es | verhallte |
| wir | verhallten |
| ihr | verhalltet |
| sie | verhallten |
Perfect
with haben or sein
| ich | bin verhallt |
|---|---|
| du | bist verhallt |
| er/sie/es | ist verhallt |
| wir | sind verhallt |
| ihr | seid verhallt |
| sie | sind verhallt |
Commands
| du | verhalle! verhall! |
|---|---|
| ihr | verhallt! |
| Sie | verhallen Sie! |
Past perfect
| ich | war verhallt |
|---|---|
| du | warst verhallt |
| er/sie/es | war verhallt |
| wir | waren verhallt |
| ihr | wart verhallt |
| sie | waren verhallt |
Future
| ich | werde verhallen |
|---|---|
| du | wirst verhallen |
| er/sie/es | wird verhallen |
| wir | werden verhallen |
| ihr | werdet verhallen |
| sie | werden verhallen |
Subjunctive I
| ich | verhalle |
|---|---|
| du | verhallest |
| er/sie/es | verhalle |
| wir | verhallen |
| ihr | verhallet |
| sie | verhallen |
Used for reported speech.
Subjunctive II
| ich | verhallte |
|---|---|
| du | verhalltest |
| er/sie/es | verhallte |
| wir | verhallten |
| ihr | verhalltet |
| sie | verhallten |
Used for wishes and “would”.
Other forms
| infinitive | verhallen |
|---|---|
| with zu | zu verhallen |
| present participle | verhallend |
| past participle | verhallt |
Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Verhallen' (to fade away) has the inseparable prefix 'ver-'. The prefix therefore always remains attached to 'hallen' (to echo); in a subordinate clause, the complete verb appears at the end of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Das Echo verhallte in den Bergen.
The echo faded away in the mountains.
Wir blieben still, weil der letzte Ton verhallt war.
We remained silent because the last note had faded away.
Typical collocations
When referring to noises and sounds, 'verhallen' (to fade away) is often used with expressions such as 'allmählich' (gradually), 'langsam' (slowly), 'in der Ferne' (in the distance), or 'im Raum' (in the room). Typical subjects include thunder, applause, footsteps, and an echo.
EXAMPLE
Der Applaus verhallte langsam im leeren Saal.
The applause slowly faded away in the empty hall.
Figurative use
The figurative meaning is often recognizable from abstract subjects such as 'Warnung' (warning), 'Appell' (appeal), or 'Forderung' (demand), as well as from words like 'ungehört' (unheeded) or 'wirkungslos' (ineffective). In this case, the focus is on a lack of response or effect.
EXAMPLE
Die Warnung der Ärztin verhallte bei ihm ungehört.
The doctor's warning went unheeded by him.
In real life
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