to entangle / implicate
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to get entangled in
To get oneself into a complicated, negative, or hopeless situation from which it is difficult to get out. This often refers to lies, contradictions, or criminal activities.
Der Zeuge hat sich während der Befragung in Widersprüche verstrickt.
During the questioning, the witness got entangled in contradictions.
The verb is inseparable and is derived from the verb 'stricken' (to knit). The prefix 'ver-' here indicates that something goes wrong or that you get yourself into a negative situation—as if you were wrapping yourself up while knitting.
Er hat sich in seinen eigenen Lügen verstrickt.
He got entangled in his own lies.
'Verstricken' (to entangle; to implicate) is always used with the preposition 'in' followed by the accusative. This applies both to the reflexive form ('sich in etwas verstricken' — to get entangled in something) and when involving another person ('jemanden in etwas verstricken' — to implicate someone in something).
Sie hat sich in eine komplizierte Situation verstrickt.
She got entangled in a complicated situation.
In its figurative meaning, 'sich verstricken' (to get entangled) is often combined with abstract, negative things. Common phrases are 'sich in Lügen verstricken' (to get entangled in lies), 'sich in Widersprüche verstricken' (to get entangled in contradictions), or 'in illegale Geschäfte verstrickt sein' (to be involved in illegal business dealings).
Der Politiker verstrickte sich während des Interviews in Widersprüche.
The politician got entangled in contradictions during the interview.
You can tell whether the literal or figurative meaning is intended from the object after the preposition 'in'. If it is something physical like 'Netz' (net), 'Seil' (rope), or 'Wolle' (wool), the literal meaning is intended. With abstract terms such as 'Lügen' (lies) or 'Affäre' (affair), it is the figurative meaning.
Das Reh hatte sich im Zaun verstrickt.
The deer had got caught in the fence.
to involve / entangle
'verwickeln' and 'verstricken' can both mean that someone gets into something difficult or unpleasant. With threads, nets, or cables, both can also describe being unable to free oneself easily. 'verwickeln' is often used when a person is drawn into something from the outside, or when a situation becomes complicated. 'verstricken' often sounds stronger: someone gets deeper and deeper into lies, contradictions, or a bad situation. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with 'in etwas geraten' (getting into something). As a guide: 'verwickeln' fits well with complicated matters, while 'verstricken' more strongly emphasizes being stuck and getting drawn in deeper and deeper.
Bei der Befragung verstrickte sich der Zeuge immer mehr in Widersprüche.
During the questioning, the witness got more and more entangled in contradictions.
Der Streit zwischen den Nachbarn verwickelte auch die ganze Hausgemeinschaft in die Diskussion.
The dispute between the neighbors also drew the whole building community into the discussion.