verbverb

herziehen

bad-mouth

Definition & meaning

The verb herziehen in German has two primary meanings depending on the context:

To move (to a place): This refers to the act of moving one's residence toward the speaker or toward a specific location mentioned in the context. It implies a change of location involving moving in or relocating.
To speak ill of someone (colloquial): This is a separable phrasal verb meaning to gossip, badmouth, or disparage someone behind their back. It implies using harsh or critical words about a person when they are not present.

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar:

Type: Separable verb (trennbares Verb).
Conjugation: It follows the standard rules for irregular strong verbs.
- Present: er zieht her.
- Past (Präteritum): er zog her.
- Perfect: er ist hergezogen (when moving) / er hat hergezogen (when speaking ill of someone, though this usage is rarer in perfect tense).

Word origin: The word is a compound of the prefix her- (indicating motion toward the speaker) and the verb ziehen (to pull, move, or travel). Historically, ziehen was used to describe nomadic migration or the physical act of relocating.