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verb

rächen

avenge

Jemandem etwas Schlechtes antun, weil diese Person vorher einem selbst oder jemand anderem wehgetan oder Unrecht getan hat.

Definition & meaning

The German verb rächen primarily means "to avenge" or "to take revenge." It describes the act of retaliating against someone for a perceived injustice, harm, or insult.

There are two main ways this verb is used:

  1. Transitive use: This means to avenge a specific person or a specific deed. For example, "den Mord rächen" means to avenge the murder.
  2. Reflexive use (sich rächen): This is the most common form, meaning "to take revenge." It is usually followed by the preposition an for the person being targeted and für for the reason. For example, "sich an jemandem für eine Beleidigung rächen" means to take revenge on someone for an insult.

Additionally, the word is often used figuratively to describe negative consequences that arise later due to a mistake or neglect. If someone does not sleep enough, the body might "rächen" itself, meaning the person will suffer the consequences later.

Grammar & Word origin

The verb rächen is a weak (regular) verb. Its principal parts are:

  • Präsens: ich räche, du rächst, er/sie/es rächt
  • Präteritum: ich rächte
  • Perfekt: habe gerächt

Historically, the word descends from the Middle High German rechen and Old High German rehhan. It is etymologically related to the English word "wreak" (as in "to wreak havoc"). Originally, the root carried a meaning of driving, pursuing, or hunting down.

It is important not to confuse rächen with retten (to save) or riechen (to smell), as the spelling is somewhat similar but the meanings are entirely different.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms

  • vergelten: to repay or reciprocate, often used in a formal or legal context.
  • heimzahlen: a more colloquial way to say "to get back at someone" or "to pay someone back."
  • Sühne üben: to perform atonement or seek retribution.
  • zurückschlagen: to strike back.

Antonyms

  • vergeben: to forgive someone for an offense.
  • verzeihen: to pardon or excuse.
  • begnadigen: to grant clemency or amnesty, usually in a legal or royal sense.
  • dulden: to tolerate or endure something without taking action.

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Examples

Ich werde mich an ihm rächen.verb

I will avenge myself on him.

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