versagen
to fail
To not perform the expected function or service; to not work as intended.
EXAMPLE
Mitten auf der Autobahn hat der Motor versagt.
The engine failed in the middle of the highway.
versagen
to fail / to deny
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Meanings
versagen
to fail
To not fulfill a given task or expectation; to fail personally.
EXAMPLE
Er hat bei der Prüfung völlig versagt, obwohl er viel gelernt hatte.
He completely failed the exam, even though he had studied a lot.
jemandem etwas versagen
to deny someone something
To refuse or withhold from someone something they want or believe they have a right to.
EXAMPLE
Aus disziplinarischen Gründen wurde ihm der Ausgang versagt.
For disciplinary reasons, he was denied permission to go out.
die Stimme versagt
one's voice fails
To suddenly be unable to speak, usually because of strong emotions such as grief, fear, or being moved.
EXAMPLE
Als er sich bedanken wollte, versagte ihm vor Rührung die Stimme.
When he wanted to say thank you, his voice failed him from emotion.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Versagen' (to fail/to deny) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'ver-' here, as with many other verbs such as 'verlieren' (to lose) and 'vergessen' (to forget), points to a negative result or a failure.
EXAMPLE
Er hat sich bei der Adresse verschrieben.
He wrote the address incorrectly.
Context clue
The grammar helps distinguish the meanings. If 'versagen' (to fail) appears without an object, it means 'to fail' or 'to stop working.' If it appears with a dative and an accusative object, it means 'to deny/refuse.'
EXAMPLE
Die Bremsen haben versagt.
The brakes failed.
Dative and accusative object
In the meaning 'to refuse/deny,' 'versagen' needs two objects: a person in the dative (the person to whom something is denied) and a thing in the accusative (what is denied).
EXAMPLE
Die Eltern versagten ihrem Sohn die Erlaubnis, auf die Party zu gehen.
The parents denied their son permission to go to the party.
Fixed expression
The expression 'die Stimme versagt' (one's voice fails) is a fixed unit. The person who can no longer speak is often expressed with a dative pronoun.
EXAMPLE
Mitten in ihrer Rede versagte ihr die Stimme.
In the middle of her speech, her voice failed her.
Compare with
scheiternverweigernausfallenAusfallverwehrenvorenthaltenstreikenverkackenMisserfolgabschlagendurchfallenmisslingen
versagen vs scheitern
to fail
Scheitern generally means not achieving a goal; external obstacles may also be decisive. Versagen focuses more on judging one’s own performance as inadequate. If a task could not be completed because of external circumstances, scheitern is more appropriate; when the cause is inadequate personal performance, use versagen.
versagen
Trotz guter Bedingungen versagte sie, weil sie sich nicht vorbereitet hatte.
Despite the favorable conditions, she failed because she had not prepared.
scheitern
Trotz guter Vorbereitung scheiterte sie an den plötzlich geänderten Bedingungen.
Despite her thorough preparation, she failed because of the suddenly changed conditions.
In real life
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