bürgen

The German verb „bürgen“ means „to guarantee“ or „to vouch for“.

• It stems from the noun „Bürge“, meaning „guarantor“ or „surety“ — a person who takes responsibility for someone else’s debt or obligation.
• So, „bürgen“ means to stand surety or take responsibility for another person’s obligations.

Similar words:

• garantieren (to guarantee)
• haften (to be liable)
• für etwas eintreten (to stand up for something)

Differences:

• bürgen specifically implies a personal guarantee, often legally.
• garantieren is broader; it promises a certain condition or result.
• haften stresses legal liability.
• für etwas eintreten is more general, meaning to support or advocate.

In brief, bürgen focuses on offering surety or binding guarantee, often legally.