verzichten auf
to give up
To voluntarily decide not to do, use, or claim something, even though one could or would like to.
EXAMPLE
Um gesünder zu leben, verzichte ich auf Zucker und Alkohol.
To live more healthily, I give up sugar and alcohol.
verzichten
to give up / to do without
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Meanings
Usage tips
Fixed preposition
The verb 'verzichten' is almost always used with the preposition 'auf' followed by the accusative. You cannot use a direct accusative object without 'auf'.
EXAMPLE
Ich verzichte auf den Nachtisch, ich bin schon satt.
I'll skip dessert; I'm already full.
Typical collocations
People often give up stimulants, habits, or possessions. Typical combinations are 'auf Fleisch verzichten' (to give up meat), 'auf das Auto verzichten' (to do without the car), or 'auf Süßigkeiten verzichten' (to give up sweets).
EXAMPLE
Viele Menschen verzichten in der Fastenzeit auf Alkohol.
Many people give up alcohol during Lent.
Sentence structure with 'darauf'
When you give up doing something (that is, an action), you use the construction 'darauf verzichten, zu + infinitive' or 'darauf verzichten, dass ...'.
EXAMPLE
Ich verzichte darauf, ihn heute noch anzurufen.
I won't call him today after all.
Compare with
verzichten vs enthalten
to contain / abstain
„Sich enthalten“ and „verzichten“ both mean consciously choosing not to do or use something. „Sich enthalten“ sounds more formal and, in this usage, is usually followed by the genitive, whereas „verzichten“ is commonly used in everyday speech with „auf“ and the accusative. „Verzichten“ is usually the better choice for everyday statements.
verzichten
Er verzichtete während des gesamten Abends auf Alkohol.
He did without alcohol throughout the entire evening.
enthalten
Er enthielt sich während des gesamten Abends des Alkohols.
He abstained from alcohol throughout the entire evening.
In real life
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