verzichten vs entbehren
German word comparison
Listen to verzichten
Listen to entbehren
| verzichten | entbehren |
|---|---|
ver-ZICH-ten verb | ent-BEH-ren verb |
| to give up, forgo, or do without something | to do without; to lack; to be deprived of |
How they differ
Entbehren focuses more on not having something, often because it is unavailable or missed, rather than on a voluntary decision. Verzichten stresses the act of choosing not to take or use something, while entbehren can describe an absence that is merely endured.
When to use each
When to use verzichten: Use verzichten when the absence is intentional and chosen.
When to use entbehren: Use entbehren when you want to say that something is lacking or that someone must do without it, whether voluntarily or not.
Side-by-side examples
- Ich verzichte auf den Nachtisch.
(I am skipping dessert.) - Wir mussten lange auf warmes Wasser entbehren.
(We had to do without hot water for a long time.)
Register & nuance: Entbehren is somewhat formal and is used less often in casual conversation than verzichten.