01
verleugnen
to deny
To deny the existence or truth of a fact, even though one knows better.
example
Man kann die offensichtlichen Probleme in der Gesellschaft nicht länger verleugnen.
We can no longer deny the obvious problems in society.
verleugnen
to deny
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Verleugnen' (to deny) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'ver-' always remains attached to the stem 'leugnen' (to deny). The verb is always used with an accusative object.
EXAMPLE
Er hat seine Beteiligung an dem Projekt komplett verleugnet.
He completely denied his involvement in the project.
Context clue
The object of the verb shows the exact meaning. If the object is an abstract thing (e.g., 'die Wahrheit' (the truth), 'seine Herkunft' (his origins)), it means 'abstreiten' (to deny). If the object is a person (e.g., 'seine Freunde' (his friends)), it means to pretend not to know them.
EXAMPLE
Er versuchte, seine ärmliche Herkunft zu verleugnen.
He tried to deny his poor background.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'abstreiten' (to deny), 'verleugnen' (to deny) is often combined with things that are part of one's own identity or past. Typical phrases are: 'seine Herkunft verleugnen' (to deny one's origins), 'seine Wurzeln verleugnen' (to deny one's roots), 'die eigene Vergangenheit verleugnen' (to deny one's own past).
EXAMPLE
Auch nach vielen Jahren in der Stadt konnte er seine ländlichen Wurzeln nicht verleugnen.
Even after many years in the city, he could not deny his rural roots.
Fixed expression
The reflexive form 'sich selbst verleugnen' (to deny oneself) is a fixed expression. It means to suppress one's true feelings, wishes, or needs in order to adapt or please others.
EXAMPLE
Um den Job zu bekommen, musste er sich und seine Überzeugungen verleugnen.
To get the job, he had to deny himself and his beliefs.
Compare with
verleugnen vs zugeben
to admit / to add
'zugeben' and 'verleugnen' are opposites here. Someone who 'zugibt' something openly says that a fact is true or that they made a mistake. Someone who 'verleugnet' something denies the truth, even though they actually know it. So 'zugeben' shows acknowledgment or honesty, while 'verleugnen' shows denial against better knowledge. The difference is especially clear when it is about guilt, responsibility, or an unpleasant truth.
verleugnen
Er verleugnete die Wahrheit, obwohl alle den Brief gesehen hatten.
He denied the truth, even though everyone had seen the letter.
zugeben
Vor der Klasse gab sie zu, dass sie die Hausaufgaben vergessen hatte.
In front of the class, she admitted that she had forgotten the homework.
In real life
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