verklagen
to sue
To take someone or an institution to court in order to enforce a legal claim or obtain a penalty.
EXAMPLE
Er hat die Firma verklagt, weil er zu Unrecht gekündigt wurde.
He sued the company because he was wrongfully dismissed.
verklagen
to sue
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The verb is made up of the inseparable prefix 'ver-' and the verb 'klagen' (to complain). The prefix turns a personal complaint into an official legal action against someone.
EXAMPLE
Sie überlegt, ihren Nachbarn wegen des Lärms zu verklagen.
She is considering suing her neighbor because of the noise.
Sentence structure with accusative
The person or institution you take to court is always in the accusative. You sue 'jemanden' (someone).
EXAMPLE
Der Kunde hat den Hersteller des defekten Geräts verklagt.
The customer sued the manufacturer of the defective device.
Stating the reason
The reason for the lawsuit is often expressed with the prepositions 'wegen' (+ genitive) or 'auf' (+ accusative). 'Auf' is usually used for financial claims.
EXAMPLE
Er verklagte sie wegen übler Nachrede.
He sued her for defamation.
Compare with
verklagen vs anzeigen
to report / display / advertise
Both verbs can refer to legal action taken against a person. „Anzeigen“ means reporting a matter to an authority or the police; „verklagen“ means taking the person themselves to court. When you first contact the authorities, „anzeigen“ is the appropriate word; for filing a lawsuit, use „verklagen“.
verklagen
Die Frau verklagte den Händler vor Gericht, weil er den Schaden nicht ersetzen wollte.
The woman sued the dealer because he did not want to compensate her for the damage.
anzeigen
Die Frau zeigte den Diebstahl bei der Polizei an.
The woman reported the theft to the police.
In real life
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