01
verschreiben
to prescribe
As a doctor, to order a medication or treatment for a patient in writing.
example
Der Arzt hat mir ein starkes Schmerzmittel verschrieben.
The doctor prescribed me a strong painkiller.
verschreiben
to prescribe / to make a writing mistake
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 04
Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Verschreiben' is an inseparable verb derived from the verb 'schreiben' (to write). The prefix 'ver-' remains firmly attached to the verb in all sentence forms and is never separated.
EXAMPLE
Ich glaube, der Arzt hat mir das falsche Medikament verschrieben.
I think the doctor prescribed me the wrong medication.
Reflexive or not?
The meaning changes completely depending on whether the verb is used reflexively (with 'sich') or not. Without 'sich', it usually means 'to issue a prescription', while 'sich verschreiben' means 'to make a writing mistake' or 'to devote oneself to something'.
EXAMPLE
Der Arzt verschreibt ein Antibiotikum.
The doctor prescribes an antibiotic.
Sentence structure with dative
When a doctor prescribes something, a fixed structure is used: the person who receives the prescription is in the dative, and the medication or treatment is in the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Die Ärztin verschrieb dem Patienten Bettruhe.
The doctor prescribed the patient bed rest.
Reflexive with 'sich'
In the meaning 'to make a writing mistake', the verb is always reflexive. You say 'sich verschreiben'. It is often supplemented with the preposition 'bei' to indicate where the mistake occurred.
EXAMPLE
Oh, ich habe mich beim Datum verschrieben. Wir treffen uns morgen, nicht heute.
Oh, I made a mistake with the date. We're meeting tomorrow, not today.
Devoting with dative
When you devote yourself to something, that thing is in the dative. The structure is: 'sich einer Sache verschreiben' (to devote oneself to something).
EXAMPLE
Dieser Wissenschaftler hat sich der Erforschung des Klimawandels verschrieben.
This scientist has devoted himself to researching climate change.
Compare with
verschreiben vs empfehlen
to recommend
'empfehlen' and 'verschreiben' can both occur in connection with health. 'Empfehlen' means that someone recommends or advises something, for example rest, exercise, or a remedy. A doctor can do this, but so can a friend or colleague. 'Verschreiben' is much more specific: a doctor prescribes a medication or treatment in writing. Learners may confuse the words because doctors can do both. The important point is: an 'Empfehlung' is advice, while a prescribed medication is something you receive officially on prescription or as a doctor's order.
verschreiben
Die Ärztin verschreibt mir ein Medikament gegen die starken Schmerzen.
The doctor prescribes me a medication for the severe pain.
empfehlen
Nach dem Gespräch hat Elif mir eine Apotheke in der Nähe empfohlen.
After the conversation, Elif recommended a pharmacy nearby to me.
In real life
Loading video examples...