01
verschenken
to give away
To give something to someone as a gift without expecting anything in return.
example
Sie hat ihre alten Kinderbücher an die Nachbarsfamilie verschenkt.
She gave away her old children's books to the family next door.
verschenken
to give away
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Verschenken' (to give away) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'ver-' remains firmly attached to the stem 'schenken' (to give as a present) in all tenses and sentence constructions.
EXAMPLE
Er hat seine gesamte Plattensammlung verschenkt, als er umgezogen ist.
He gave away his entire record collection when he moved.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the object: If concrete things like books or furniture are being given away, the literal meaning is intended. If abstract things like a victory, a chance, or points are being given away, the figurative meaning 'ungenutzt lassen' (to leave unused) is intended.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe ein paar alte Stühle zu verschenken.
I have a few old chairs to give away.
Typical expression
The phrase 'zu verschenken' (free to take / to give away) is used very often in classified ads or on signs to indicate that something is being given away for free.
EXAMPLE
An der Straße stand eine Kiste mit der Aufschrift „Bücher zu verschenken“.
There was a box on the street with the label 'Bücher zu verschenken' (free books).
Typical collocations
In the figurative meaning, 'verschenken' (to throw away) is often used in sports or competition contexts. Typical collocations are 'einen Sieg verschenken' (to throw away a victory), 'Punkte verschenken' (to throw away points), or 'eine Chance verschenken' (to throw away a chance).
EXAMPLE
Die Mannschaft hat in der zweiten Halbzeit zu viele Torchancen verschenkt.
The team threw away too many scoring chances in the second half.
Compare with
verschenken vs geben
to give
'geben' and 'verschenken' can both mean that one person passes something on to another person. The difference lies in the reason. 'geben' is neutral: it can be a quick handover, an instruction, or also a gift. 'verschenken' clearly says that something is a gift and that no compensation is expected. Learners may confuse the words because you can also use 'geben' when talking about gifts. But if you want to emphasize that something is being given away for free and as a gift, 'verschenken' is more precise.
verschenken
Vor dem Umzug verschenkt die Familie einige alte Möbel an Freunde.
Before the move, the family gives away some old furniture to friends.
geben
Luis gibt der Fahrerin im Zug seine Fahrkarte.
Luis gives the train driver his ticket.
In real life
Loading video examples...