verb

beglaubigen

certify · authenticate

Etwas offiziell als echt oder richtig bestätigen.

Definition & meaning

Beglaubigen means to officially certify or authenticate something. It is commonly used when an authorized person or institution confirms that a document or signature is genuine, or that a copy matches the original.

It does not necessarily mean “to notarize”: a notary can perform a certification, but other authorized offices may also do so.

Grammar & Word origin

Verb: beglaubigen
Conjugation: beglaubigte (simple past), hat beglaubigt (present perfect)
It is a regular, transitive verb: someone beglaubigt a document or signature.
The prefix be- is inseparable. The verb is related to glauben (“to believe”) and historically conveys the idea of making something credible.
Related noun: die Beglaubigung

Synonyms & antonyms

bestätigen — “to confirm.” Broader than beglaubigen; it does not necessarily involve an official certification.
bescheinigen — “to certify” or “attest.” Often means confirming a fact or status in writing, rather than verifying that a copy or signature is authentic.
beurkunden — “to record or certify in an official document.” More formal and often associated with legally documenting an act or transaction.
fälschen — “to forge” or “falsify.” An opposite in the context of document authenticity: it means making something appear genuine when it is not.
anzweifeln — “to question” or “cast doubt on.” It expresses doubt about authenticity, rather than actively falsifying something.

Common phrases & collocations

eine Kopie beglaubigen — to certify a copy
eine Unterschrift beglaubigen — to authenticate a signature
ein Dokument amtlich beglaubigen lassen — to have a document officially certified
eine beglaubigte Abschrift — a certified copy of a document