German word of the day: Angesagt

by time news

2023-05-03 16:42:43

Why do I need to know überreden?

Because überreden can perfectly describe a nuanced – and all-too-common – social situation, and it’s also a prime example of how many German verbs are built.

What does it mean?

Looking at the two components of the word, überreden (pronounced like this) quite literally means to “talk over” someone. But unlike in English, this doesn’t refer to speaking in a louder voice while your friend or partner is trying to have their say.

Instead, it refers to situations where you might pressure a friend to do something and, eventually, they agree to do it – but their heart isn’t necessarily in it.

In this way, it’s comparable to English phrases like “talking someone round” or “twisting someone’s arm”. Through the sheer force of your arguments (or sheer persistence) you’ve managed to get them on side, but internally they’re still not necessarily convinced. In fact, they’ve probably caved in to appease you.

READ ALSO: German word of the day: Umstritten

Alternatively, if you have indeed been able to convince someone deep down, the word you’re looking for is convince. This handy verb describes that magical moment when you’ve managed to talk someone round to your point of view, and they’re convinced both inside and out.

Anything else I need to know?

If you’re stuck on a German verb, a good way to approach it is to divide it into little building blocks, and überreden is no exception. In this case “über” (over) heightens the ordinary “reden” (to talk) to pit you above whoever you’re talking to (and trying to talk round). And with the root “reden”, you have many other options than simply “über”.

The suffix “zu” (to) turns “reden” into a motivational pep-talk, while a combination “aus” (out) and “reden” tells your listener that you’ve finished what you want to say.

Recognising what each of these prefixes stand for and looking for the root of a word is a great way to expand your vocabulary almost overnight.

Use it like this:

Can you please stop trying to convince me? It will not work!

Can you please stop trying to persuade me? It’s not going to work!

To be honest, I had other plans, but he talked me into it!

To be honest, I had other plans, but he twisted my arm!

#German #word #day #Angesagt

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