verzichten vs aufgeben
German word comparison
Listen to verzichten
Listen to aufgeben
| verzichten | aufgeben |
|---|---|
ver-ZICH-ten verb | owf-GAY-ben verb |
| to give up, forgo, or do without something | to give up; to abandon; to relinquish |
How they differ
Aufgeben is broader than verzichten and often means abandoning an effort, plan, or claim entirely. Verzichten is more specifically about deliberately doing without something or waiving a right, whereas aufgeben can sound like stopping because something is too hard or no longer worth pursuing.
When to use each
When to use verzichten: Use verzichten when you mean willingly forgoing something, especially a benefit, comfort, right, or pleasure.
When to use aufgeben: Use aufgeben when the focus is on abandoning an attempt, goal, habit, or possession altogether.
Side-by-side examples
- Ich verzichte heute auf Fleisch.
(I am forgoing meat today.) - Ich gebe das Projekt auf.
(I am giving up the project.)
Register & nuance: Aufgeben is common and neutral in everyday German, while verzichten sounds a bit more deliberate and specific.