sich weigern
to refuse
To firmly reject something that is demanded or expected of you and not do it. This expresses strong unwillingness.
EXAMPLE
Der Angeklagte weigerte sich, eine Aussage zu machen.
The defendant refused to make a statement.
weigern
to refuse
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
Usage tips
Reflexive verb
'Weigern' (to refuse) is a reflexive verb and must always be used together with a reflexive pronoun in the accusative (mich, dich, sich, uns, euch, sich). The pronoun agrees with the subject of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Ich weigere mich, diese ungerechte Regel zu akzeptieren.
I refuse to accept this unfair rule.
Sentence structure with infinitive
The most common sentence structure with 'sich weigern' (to refuse) is the combination with an infinitive with 'zu'. This expresses which action someone does not want to carry out.
EXAMPLE
Das Kind weigerte sich, sein Gemüse zu essen.
The child refused to eat his vegetables.
Register and style
The verb 'sich weigern' (to refuse) expresses a strong and deliberate rejection. Stylistically, it is somewhat more formal and stronger than other expressions of refusal.
EXAMPLE
Die Mitarbeiter weigerten sich, unter den neuen Bedingungen weiterzuarbeiten.
The employees refused to continue working under the new conditions.
Compare with
weigern vs ablehnen
to reject
Both verbs can express a negative reaction to a proposal or an expected action. Ablehnen usually applies to the offer or proposal; sich weigern emphasizes that the person does not carry out an expected action. Therefore, use ablehnen for the request or proposal and sich weigern for the action or inaction.
weigern
Sie weigerte sich, am Samstag länger zu bleiben.
She refused to stay longer on Saturday.
ablehnen
Sie lehnte den Vorschlag ab, am Samstag länger zu bleiben.
She rejected the suggestion that she stay longer on Saturday.
In real life
Loading video examples...