When you verdammen something or someone, it means you strongly disapprove of them. Think of it like saying something is really, really bad or wrong. For example, a judge might verdammen a criminal's actions. Or, you might verdammen an idea that you think is terrible.
When you encounter the German verb "verdammen" (CEFR B2), it means to condemn or to damn. This verb carries a strong negative connotation, implying severe disapproval or a pronouncement of a dire fate. It's often used in contexts of moral judgment, legal sentencing, or even in a religious sense. Think of it as a much stronger verb than simply 'to disapprove.' You might hear it when someone is heavily criticizing an action or a person, or when discussing a very serious outcome.
When you encounter the German verb "verdammen," it's essential to grasp its core meaning of condemnation or damning. It's often used in strong contexts, expressing severe disapproval or a definitive negative judgment. For instance, you might hear it when discussing moral judgments, legal rulings, or even in a more figurative sense when something is deemed utterly useless or beyond repair. It implies a strong, often irreversible, negative pronouncement, and understanding this intensity is key to its appropriate usage.
verdammen in 30 Seconds
- condemn
- damn
- doom
§ Understanding "verdammen"
You're learning German, and you've come across 'verdammen.' It's a strong verb, and like many strong verbs, it has some nuance. Let's break down what it means and how to use it, especially when compared to other similar words.
- DEFINITION
- To condemn, to damn. This word carries a strong sense of moral or religious judgment, or a very severe judgment about something's fate.
§ When to use "verdammen"
You use 'verdammen' when you want to express a very strong condemnation. Think of it as a definitive and often harsh judgment. It can be used in religious contexts, but also for strong moral or ethical judgments, or even to describe something being doomed.
Die Gesellschaft verdammte sein Verhalten. (The society condemned his behavior.)
Er fühlte sich zur Einsamkeit verdammt. (He felt condemned to loneliness.)
§ Similar words and their differences
Here are some other German words that might seem similar but have different nuances:
verurteilen (to sentence, to condemn): This is often used in a legal context, meaning to pass a sentence on someone in court. It can also be used in a more general sense of condemning, but it lacks the strong moral or religious weight of 'verdammen.'
Der Richter verurteilte ihn zu einer Gefängnisstrafe. (The judge sentenced him to a prison term.)
Man sollte vorsichtig sein, andere schnell zu verurteilen. (One should be careful to quickly condemn others.)
kritisieren (to criticize): This is a much milder term. When you 'kritisieren' something, you're pointing out flaws or expressing disapproval, but it doesn't carry the same severe judgment as 'verdammen' or even 'verurteilen.'
Er kritisierte den Plan. (He criticized the plan.)
missbilligen (to disapprove of): Similar to 'kritisieren,' but perhaps a bit stronger, indicating a lack of approval. Still, it's far less intense than 'verdammen.'
Sie missbilligte seine Entscheidung. (She disapproved of his decision.)
verteufeln (to demonize, to damn): This word is very close to 'verdammen' in intensity and meaning, often implying a moral or ethical condemnation, sometimes even to the point of painting something or someone as evil. It carries a very strong negative judgment.
Manche Leute verteufeln neue Technologien. (Some people demonize new technologies.)
§ Key takeaway
When you choose 'verdammen,' you're opting for the strongest expression of condemnation or damnation. It's not just about disagreeing or finding fault; it's about a deep, often moral or fate-related, judgment. Use it when you want to convey that absolute sense of condemnation.
Grammar to Know
Use 'verdammen' with a direct object in the accusative case to indicate what is being condemned. Example: 'Die Gesellschaft verdammt Kriminalität.' (Society condemns criminality.)
Die Richter verdammen die Tat. (The judges condemn the act.)
When expressing that someone is condemned *to* something, use 'zu' + dative. Example: 'Er wurde zur Verbannung verdammt.' (He was condemned to exile.)
Sie sind dazu verdammt, zu scheitern. (They are condemned to fail.)
In a passive sentence, 'verdammen' often appears with 'werden'. Example: 'Die Lüge wurde verdammt.' (The lie was condemned.)
Das Projekt wird verdammt werden. (The project will be condemned.)
The past participle 'verdammt' can be used as an adjective, often with a sense of 'damned' or 'cursed'. Example: 'Diese verdammte Situation!' (This damned situation!)
Du verdammter Narr! (You damned fool!)
'Verdammt' is also used as an interjection, similar to 'damn it!' or 'cursed!' in English. Example: 'Verdammt, ich habe es vergessen!' (Damn, I forgot it!)
Verdammt noch mal! (Damn it all!)
Examples by Level
Wir verdammen jede Form von Gewalt.
We condemn every form of violence.
Die Öffentlichkeit verdammt das Verhalten des Politikers.
The public condemns the politician's behavior.
Manche Leute verdammen moderne Kunst.
Some people condemn modern art.
Er verdammt seine Fehler in der Vergangenheit.
He condemns his past mistakes.
Die Kirche verdammt diese Taten.
The church condemns these acts.
Sie verdammt das System als ungerecht.
She condemns the system as unjust.
Warum verdammen wir oft, was wir nicht verstehen?
Why do we often condemn what we don't understand?
Die Gesellschaft verdammt Kriminalität.
Society condemns crime.
Die Gesellschaft verdammt Gewalt in jeder Form.
Society condemns violence in every form.
Manche Leute verdammen moderne Kunst als wertlos.
Some people condemn modern art as worthless.
Er wurde verdammt, weil er die Regeln gebrochen hat.
He was condemned because he broke the rules.
Passive voice: 'wurde verdammt'
Die Kritiker verdammen den Film als langweilig und schlecht.
The critics condemn the film as boring and bad.
Wir dürfen niemanden verdammen, ohne die ganze Geschichte zu kennen.
We must not condemn anyone without knowing the whole story.
Die Geschichte hat viele Tyrannen verdammt.
History has condemned many tyrants.
Ich verdamme seine Entscheidung, das Projekt aufzugeben.
I condemn his decision to give up the project.
Eine solche Tat muss verdammt werden.
Such an act must be condemned.
Modal verb 'muss' with passive infinitive 'verdammt werden'
Often Confused With
'Urteilen' means 'to judge'. While related to 'verurteilen', it's a more neutral act of making a judgment, not necessarily a condemnation.
'Ablehnen' means 'to refuse' or 'to decline'. This is about rejecting an offer or idea, not condemning it in a moral or absolute sense.
'Kritisieren' means 'to criticize'. This is about finding fault or expressing disapproval, but it's generally milder and less definitive than 'verdammen'.
Easily Confused
'Verurteilen' is similar to 'verdammen' but generally refers to a legal judgment or a strong moral disapproval.
'Verdammen' often carries a stronger, sometimes religious or more absolute sense of condemnation, while 'verurteilen' is more commonly used in legal or general moral contexts.
Der Richter verurteilte ihn zu einer Gefängnisstrafe. (The judge condemned him to a prison sentence.)
'Verteufeln' also means 'to demonize' or 'to damn', but it emphasizes the act of portraying someone or something as evil.
While both imply condemnation, 'verteufeln' specifically means to paint something as devilish or inherently bad, whereas 'verdammen' can be a more general act of strong disapproval.
Man sollte nicht vorschnell andere verteufeln. (One should not demonize others too quickly.)
'Verfluchen' means 'to curse' and can sometimes overlap with the idea of damning something or someone.
'Verfluchen' is typically about invoking a curse or expressing intense anger and ill will, often with a supernatural connotation. 'Verdammen' is more about a definitive judgment or strong disapproval.
Er verfluchte den Tag, an dem er diese Entscheidung traf. (He cursed the day he made that decision.)
'Verwerfen' means 'to reject' or 'to discard', which can feel similar to condemning something.
While 'verwerfen' involves a negative judgment leading to rejection, it lacks the strong moral or absolute condemnation of 'verdammen'. It's more about deeming something unsuitable or incorrect.
Die Jury verwarf den Antrag. (The jury rejected the motion.)
'Missbilligen' means 'to disapprove of' and is a milder form of expressing negative judgment.
'Missbilligen' is a general disapproval, much less severe than 'verdammen', which implies a very strong, often definitive, condemnation.
Die Eltern missbilligten das Verhalten ihres Kindes. (The parents disapproved of their child's behavior.)
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThe core meaning of 'verdammen' is to condemn or to damn. It implies a strong, negative judgment or a pronouncement of severe punishment.
Yes, it can! You'll often hear it used colloquially as an exclamation like 'Verdammt!' which means 'Damn!' or 'Dammit!'. For example, 'Verdammt, ich habe meine Schlüssel vergessen!' (Damn, I forgot my keys!).
Absolutely. It's a very strong word. It's not something you'd use lightly in most situations. It carries a sense of serious disapproval or even religious condemnation.
While both involve judgment, 'urteilen' means to judge in a more general sense, often in a legal context or forming an opinion. 'Verdammen' is a much harsher judgment, leading to condemnation or a very strong negative verdict. Think of 'urteilen' as judging the facts, and 'verdammen' as judging with a sentence or extreme disapproval.
Besides 'Verdammt!', you might hear 'jemanden zu etwas verdammen' (to condemn someone to something), for example, 'Er war dazu verdammt, ein Leben in Armut zu führen.' (He was condemned to lead a life in poverty.)
Yes, it often does. In a religious context, it refers to eternal damnation or being condemned to hell. This is part of why it carries such a strong meaning.
As a verb meaning 'to condemn', it tends to be used in more formal or serious contexts, like in literature, speeches, or discussions of grave matters. The exclamation 'Verdammt!' is informal.
The past tense (Präteritum) is 'verdammte' and the past participle (Partizip II) is 'verdammt'. So, 'Ich habe ihn verdammt.' (I condemned him.)
Yes, it can. You can condemn a situation or an action. For instance, 'Sie verdammen diese Ungerechtigkeit.' (They condemn this injustice.) Or, 'Diese Situation ist verdammt schwierig.' (This situation is damn difficult - using the adjective 'verdammt').
Here's one: 'Die internationale Gemeinschaft verdammt die Menschenrechtsverletzungen in diesem Land.' (The international community condemns the human rights violations in this country.)
Test Yourself 48 questions
Er ___ den alten Hut.
The sentence means 'He wears the old hat.' 'Trägt' (wears) is the correct verb here.
Ich ___ einen Apfel.
The sentence means 'I eat an apple.' 'Esse' (eat) is the correct verb.
Sie ___ ein Buch.
The sentence means 'She reads a book.' 'Liest' (reads) is the correct verb.
Wir ___ Wasser.
The sentence means 'We drink water.' 'Trinken' (drink) is the correct verb.
Du ___ schnell.
The sentence means 'You run fast.' 'Rennst' (run) is the correct verb.
Das Kind ___ im Park.
The sentence means 'The child plays in the park.' 'Spielt' (plays) is the correct verb.
Write a simple sentence in German stating that you do not condemn something. Use 'Ich' (I) and 'nicht' (not).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Ich verdamme das nicht.
Imagine someone is saying 'He condemns the action.' Write this in German. Start with 'Er'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Er verdammt die Aktion.
Write a German sentence saying 'They condemn the book.' Use 'Sie' (they).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Sie verdammen das Buch.
What does Max say about the book?
Read this passage:
Lisa liest ein Buch. Das Buch ist alt. Sie mag das Buch. Ihr Freund, Max, mag das Buch nicht. Er sagt: 'Ich verdamme dieses Buch!'
What does Max say about the book?
Max says 'Ich verdamme dieses Buch!' which means 'I condemn this book!'
Max says 'Ich verdamme dieses Buch!' which means 'I condemn this book!'
What does the teacher condemn?
Read this passage:
Die Lehrerin spricht mit den Schülern. Ein Schüler macht viel Lärm. Die Lehrerin sagt: 'Ich verdamme Lärm im Unterricht.'
What does the teacher condemn?
The teacher says 'Ich verdamme Lärm im Unterricht' which means 'I condemn noise in class.'
The teacher says 'Ich verdamme Lärm im Unterricht' which means 'I condemn noise in class.'
What does the speaker condemn?
Read this passage:
Meine Katze schläft gerne. Mein Hund rennt gerne. Ich verdamme Streit zwischen Tieren. Sie sollen Freunde sein.
What does the speaker condemn?
The speaker says 'Ich verdamme Streit zwischen Tieren,' which means 'I condemn fighting between animals.'
The speaker says 'Ich verdamme Streit zwischen Tieren,' which means 'I condemn fighting between animals.'
The correct German sentence structure places the verb 'verdammen' in the second position.
In a simple declarative sentence, the verb 'verdammt' should be in the second position.
The verb 'verdammen' is in the second position, followed by the adverb 'oft'. The subordinate clause starts with 'was'.
The public condemns such actions.
Some condemn modern art.
The court condemns the accused.
Read this aloud:
Ich verdamme jede Form von Gewalt.
Focus: verdamme
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Viele Leute verdammen die neue Politik.
Focus: verdammen
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Er verdammt das Verhalten seines Freundes.
Focus: verdammt
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Die öffentliche Meinung würde ein solches Vorgehen ___. (The public opinion would condemn such an action.)
To 'condemn' something means to express strong disapproval of it. 'Verdammen' fits this context.
Er fühlte sich für seine Fehler zur Ewigkeit ___. (He felt himself damned for his mistakes for eternity.)
To feel 'damned' implies a sense of eternal punishment or severe condemnation. 'Verdammt' is the correct choice here.
Manche Kulturen würden das Tragen dieser Kleidung als Affront ___. (Some cultures would condemn the wearing of this clothing as an affront.)
To 'condemn' an action means to officially state that it is wrong or bad. 'Verdammen' aligns with this meaning.
Der Richter musste den Angeklagten trotz mildernder Umstände ___. (The judge had to condemn the accused despite mitigating circumstances.)
While 'verdammen' can mean to condemn, in a legal context, 'verurteilen' (to convict/sentence) is more precise when referring to a judge's action.
Die Hexe wurde für ihre Taten zur Hölle ___. (The witch was damned to hell for her deeds.)
To be 'damned to hell' is a common expression of eternal condemnation. 'Verdammt' is the direct translation here.
Die Gesellschaft neigt dazu, diejenigen zu ___, die von der Norm abweichen. (Society tends to condemn those who deviate from the norm.)
To 'condemn' in this context means to express strong disapproval or censure. 'Verdammen' is the appropriate verb.
Correct word order for 'The society condemns such actions'.
This is the correct order for 'He was condemned to wander for eternity'.
This sentence means 'We condemn every attempt of violence'.
Die öffentliche Meinung schien ihn für seine umstrittenen Aussagen zu ___.
In this context, 'verdammen' (to condemn) fits perfectly, as public opinion often condemns controversial statements.
Seine Kritiker ___ sein gesamtes Werk als irrelevant.
'Verdammen' (to condemn) is the appropriate verb when critics dismiss an entire body of work as irrelevant.
Es ist leicht, jemanden für seine Fehler zu ___, aber schwieriger, Verständnis aufzubringen.
The contrast in the sentence implies that condemning someone for their mistakes is easy, while understanding is harder.
Die Kirche ___ die Sünde, vergibt aber dem Sünder.
In religious contexts, 'verdammt' (condemns) is used when referring to the church's stance on sin.
Der Richter musste den Angeklagten trotz mildernder Umstände ___.
Even with mitigating circumstances, a judge might still have to 'verdammen' (condemn) the accused.
Er fühlte sich von der ganzen Welt ___ nach dem Skandal.
After a scandal, it is common to feel 'verdammt' (condemned) by the world.
This sentence structure reflects a common way to express strong condemnation in German, with 'scharf' (sharply) intensifying the verb 'verurteilen' (condemned).
This sentence uses the past participle of 'verdammen' (damned) in a passive construction to convey a strong sense of being condemned or rejected by others.
This sentence presents a contrast between condemning and understanding, a common philosophical theme. The 'zu + Infinitiv' construction is essential here.
/ 48 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
'Verdammen' is used when you want to strongly condemn something or someone, or to damn them to a bad fate.
- condemn
- damn
- doom
Example
Die Sünder wurden zur ewigen Verdammnis verdammt.
Related Content
More religion words
abergläubisch
B1superstitious; having or showing superstition
Altar
A2altar
anbeten
A2to worship; to adore a deity or sacred object
andächtig
B2devoutly; in a devout or reverent manner
asketisch
C1ascetic; characterized by severe self-discipline and abstention from indulgences
Atheismus
A2atheism
atheistisch
B1atheistic; relating to or characterized by atheism
auferstehen
A2to resurrect; to rise from the dead, as Christ did
Auferstehung
B2resurrection
aufklären
A2To provide enlightenment or clarification; to educate.
