verb

verweigern

refuse

Etwas nicht geben, nicht tun oder nicht erlauben.

Definition & meaning

The verb "verweigern" primarily means to refuse or to deny. It is used when someone declines to fulfill a request, follow an order, or provide something that is expected or required.

To refuse or decline: This is used when someone says "no" to a specific demand or task. For example, "den Gehorsam verweigern" means to refuse to obey.
To withhold or deny: This applies when someone does not grant something to another person, such as permission, information, or help. For example, "die Aussage verweigern" means to refuse to testify or give a statement.

Unlike the reflexive verb "sich weigern" , which focuses on the subject's internal resistance to doing something, "verweigern" is a transitive verb that focuses on the act of denial or the object being denied.

Grammar & Word origin

"verweigern" is a regular (weak) verb. Its forms are:

Present: er/sie/es verweigert
Präteritum: er/sie/es verweigerte
Perfekt: hat verweigert

The word consists of the prefix "ver-" and the root "weigern". The prefix "ver-" in this context strengthens the sense of withdrawal or negation. The root "weigern" originates from the Middle High German word "weigern," which meant to struggle against or to oppose. It is etymologically related to words describing resistance.

In a sentence, it usually takes an accusative object (the thing being refused). It can also take a dative object to indicate the person to whom something is being denied (e.g., "jemandem die Hilfe verweigern" - to deny someone help).