At the A1 level, you only need to know 'verletzt' as a basic adjective to describe a person's state. You will likely see it in simple health contexts. For instance, in a beginner's textbook, a character might fall off a bike and say, 'Ich bin verletzt.' (I am injured). At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex adjective endings; focus on using it after 'sein' (to be). It's important to recognize it in simple signs or news headlines like 'Ein Mann verletzt' (One man injured). You should also understand that it's the opposite of 'gesund' (healthy) in the context of an accident. Keep your sentences simple: 'Bist du verletzt?' or 'Er ist am Arm verletzt.' This is enough to communicate basic distress or to report a simple injury to a teacher or doctor. You might also hear the verb 'verletzen' in the present tense, but as an A1 learner, the adjective form 'verletzt' is your most useful tool for describing a situation.
At the A2 level, you should start using 'verletzt' with more detail. This involves specifying the body part using the 'am' + [Body Part] construction. For example, 'Er ist am Knie verletzt.' You should also begin to distinguish between 'verletzt' (the state of being injured) and 'weh tun' (the sensation of pain). An A2 learner should be able to describe a past event using the perfect tense: 'Ich habe mich beim Sport verletzt.' (I injured myself during sports). This introduces the reflexive pronoun 'mich/dich/sich,' which is a key A2 grammar point. You should also recognize the word in slightly longer texts, such as a short news report about a traffic accident where 'leicht verletzt' (slightly injured) or 'schwer verletzt' (seriously injured) are used. Understanding the emotional side—'Ich bin verletzt, weil du nicht angerufen hast'—is also appropriate at this level to express feelings beyond simple sadness or anger.
By B1, you are expected to use 'verletzt' in more complex grammatical structures, including the passive voice and as an attributive adjective with correct endings. You might say, 'Die verletzten Wanderer wurden gerettet.' (The injured hikers were rescued). Here, 'verletzten' has the -en ending because it's a plural adjective in the nominative case with a definite article. You should also be comfortable using 'verletzt' to discuss more abstract concepts, such as 'verletzte Gefühle' (hurt feelings) or 'jemanden in seiner Ehre verletzen' (to hurt someone's honor). At B1, you should also know related nouns like 'die Verletzung' (the injury) and be able to use them in sentences like 'Die Verletzung ist nicht so schlimm.' You'll encounter this word in more varied media, such as newspaper articles that discuss social issues or legal disputes where rights might be 'verletzt' (violated). Your vocabulary should also include common adverbs that modify 'verletzt,' such as 'tödlich' (fatally) or 'lebensgefährlich' (critically).
At the B2 level, 'verletzt' becomes a tool for more nuanced discussion and formal writing. You will encounter it in legal and professional contexts where it refers to the violation of laws, rules, or contracts. For instance, 'Das Unternehmen hat die Datenschutzregeln verletzt.' (The company violated data protection rules). You should be able to discuss the implications of such violations. In literature and high-level journalism, 'verletzt' is used to describe societal wounds or the 'verletzlich' (vulnerable) nature of certain populations. You should understand the difference between 'verletzt' and its synonyms like 'lädiert' or 'gekränkt' and choose the one that fits the register. Your ability to use the word in the subjunctive or in complex passive constructions should be fluent. For example, 'Es wurde berichtet, dass niemand ernsthaft verletzt worden sei.' (It was reported that no one had been seriously injured). You also start to see the word in idiomatic expressions and more complex word formations.
At the C1 level, your understanding of 'verletzt' should be near-native, encompassing its most abstract and metaphorical uses. You will use it to describe deep philosophical or psychological states. You might analyze how a certain policy 'die Menschenwürde verletzt' (violates human dignity). The focus shifts to the precision of the word within a specific discourse—be it legal, medical, or poetic. You should be able to appreciate the stylistic choice of using 'verletzt' over 'gebrochen' or 'missachtet' in a text. You will also use the noun 'Verletzlichkeit' (vulnerability) in academic or sociological discussions. In C1, you are expected to understand subtle irony or sarcasm involving the word, such as 'Oh, ist dein Stolz etwa verletzt?' (Oh, is your pride hurt, perhaps?). Your writing should reflect a sophisticated use of 'verletzt' in various tenses and moods, showing a mastery of how the word fits into the larger architecture of a German sentence.
At the C2 level, 'verletzt' is a word you can manipulate for maximum rhetorical effect. You understand its etymological roots and how it relates to other Germanic words, which helps in interpreting archaic or highly literary texts. You can use it in legal arguments to define the exact nature of a breach of contract or a violation of international law. Your mastery allows you to use 'verletzt' in a way that captures the finest shades of meaning, such as the difference between a 'verletzende Äußerung' (a hurtful remark) and a 'beleidigende Äußerung' (an insulting remark). You are comfortable with the word in all its forms, including rare derivatives and highly specific technical jargon. At this level, 'verletzt' is not just a word for an injury; it is a versatile concept used to explore the boundaries of law, ethics, and human experience in flawless, sophisticated German.

verletzt en 30 segundos

  • Verletzt primarily means 'injured' or 'hurt' and applies to both physical wounds and emotional pain in everyday German conversation.
  • Grammatically, it functions as an adjective that requires endings when used before a noun, or as a past participle in passive and perfect constructions.
  • It is a high-frequency word essential for CEFR A2 learners to describe accidents, sports setbacks, and personal feelings of being offended.
  • Key synonyms include 'verwundet' for battle wounds and 'gekränkt' for hurt pride, while the opposite is 'unverletzt' or 'gesund'.

The German word verletzt is a versatile adjective and the past participle of the verb verletzen. At its core, it describes a state of being damaged, harmed, or wounded. For English speakers, it most directly translates to 'injured' or 'hurt.' However, its application spans a wide spectrum from physical trauma to deep emotional pain. In a physical context, it is the standard term used when someone has sustained an injury, whether it is a minor scrape from a fall or a serious wound from a car accident. In the realm of sports, news reporting, and daily conversation, you will encounter this word constantly. When a player cannot participate in a match, they are verletzt. When a bystander is caught in an accident, they are reported as verletzt.

Physical Injury
This refers to any bodily harm. It can be used predicatively (The man is injured) or attributively (The injured man). It covers everything from broken bones to cuts.
Emotional Hurt
Beyond the body, verletzt describes feelings. If someone says something mean to you, your feelings are verletzt. It captures the sense of being offended, insulted, or emotionally wounded.
Legal and Abstract Violation
In more advanced contexts, it can refer to the violation of rights, rules, or boundaries. If a law is broken, the law has been verletzt (though 'gebrochen' is also used, 'verletzt' implies a breach of integrity).

Der Sportler ist leider am Knie verletzt und kann heute nicht spielen.

Translation: The athlete is unfortunately injured in the knee and cannot play today.

Understanding the nuance between physical and emotional usage is key. While English often uses 'hurt' for both, German uses verletzt as a more formal and definitive state than the colloquial 'weh getan' (which focuses on the sensation of pain). For instance, if you stub your toe, it 'tut weh' (hurts), but you might not necessarily be 'verletzt' (injured) unless there is lasting damage. This distinction is crucial for A2 learners who are beginning to describe health and feelings more accurately.

Sie fühlte sich durch seine harten Worte tief verletzt.

Translation: She felt deeply hurt by his harsh words.

In summary, use verletzt whenever there is a breach—whether of the skin, the heart, or a contract. It is a powerful, high-frequency word that allows you to express vulnerability and physical states with precision. As you progress to higher CEFR levels, you will see it appearing in legal texts (Rechte verletzt) and literature, but at the A2 level, focus on its roles in health and personal relationships.

Using verletzt correctly requires an understanding of its role as both an adjective and a past participle. Because it functions as an adjective, it must follow standard German declension rules when placed before a noun. However, in most basic A2 conversations, it is used predicatively—meaning it follows a verb like sein (to be) or werden (to become/get)—and in these cases, the ending does not change.

Predicative Use (No Endings)
When you describe a person's state directly. Er ist verletzt. (He is injured.) Wir sind verletzt. (We are injured.) The word remains 'verletzt' regardless of gender or number.
Attributive Use (With Endings)
When the word comes before a noun. Der verletzte Hund (The injured dog). Eine verletzte Spielerin (An injured female player). Here, you apply the standard adjective endings (-e, -en, -er, etc.).
Passive Voice
In the passive voice, it indicates the action of being harmed. Niemand wurde bei dem Unfall verletzt. (Nobody was injured in the accident.)

Bist du verletzt? Soll ich einen Arzt rufen?

Translation: Are you injured? Should I call a doctor?

A common pattern for A2 learners is specifying *where* someone is injured. In German, we use the preposition an followed by the dative case. For example, 'verletzt am Kopf' (injured on the head) or 'verletzt an der Hand' (injured on the hand). This is a vital structure for medical emergencies or reporting sports news.

Die Sanitäter kümmerten sich um die verletzten Passagiere.

Translation: The paramedics took care of the injured passengers.

When discussing emotional hurt, the preposition von or durch is often used to indicate the source of the pain. 'Ich bin von deiner Kritik verletzt' (I am hurt by your criticism). This mirrors the English 'by' and is a natural way to express feelings in a more sophisticated manner than just saying 'Ich bin traurig' (I am sad).

You will encounter verletzt in various real-world scenarios, ranging from the evening news to the soccer field. Because German culture values precision in reporting, this word is the standard for discussing accidents and health status. If you are watching a German news broadcast (like the Tagesschau), you will frequently hear phrases like 'Drei Personen wurden leicht verletzt' (Three people were slightly injured) or 'schwer verletzt' (seriously injured).

In Sports Media
Commentators use it to explain why a star player is on the bench. You'll see headlines like: 'Bayern-Star fällt verletzt aus' (Bayern star is out due to injury). It is the go-to word for any physical setback in the athletic world.
At the Doctor or Hospital
Medical professionals use 'verletzt' to categorize the nature of a patient's arrival. If you are asked 'Wo sind Sie verletzt?', they want to know the specific location of your injury.
In Daily Relationships
Among friends and partners, it is used to describe emotional slights. 'Du hast mich verletzt' (You hurt me) is a serious statement indicating that someone's actions or words have caused emotional distress.

Eilmeldung: Bei dem Sturm gestern wurden mehrere Menschen verletzt.

Translation: Breaking News: Several people were injured in the storm yesterday.

In a work context, especially in safety briefings (Arbeitssicherheit), the word is used to describe potential risks. Signs might read 'Vorsicht, Verletzungsgefahr!' (Caution, risk of injury!). Here, the noun form Verletzung is derived from our adjective/participle. Hearing this word in a public space usually signals a need for caution or indicates that an incident has occurred.

Ich wollte dich nicht verletzen, es war nur ein Witz.

Translation: I didn't want to hurt you; it was just a joke.

Whether you are reading a thriller novel where a character is 'tödlich verletzt' (mortally wounded) or talking to a friend about a 'verletzter Stolz' (injured pride), the word is an essential building block for describing the negative impact of external forces on living beings and their feelings.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with verletzt is confusing it with the English word 'painful' or the German word schmerzhaft. Remember: verletzt describes the *person* or the *state* of the injury, not the sensation of the pain itself. You cannot say 'Die Wunde ist verletzt' to mean 'the wound is painful'; you would say 'Die Wunde ist schmerzhaft' or 'Die Wunde tut weh.'

Confusing 'Verletzt' and 'Wehtun'
'Wehtun' is a verb meaning 'to hurt/ache.' Use it for the sensation: 'Mein Arm tut weh.' Use 'verletzt' for the condition: 'Mein Arm ist verletzt.' Beginners often mix these up by saying 'Ich bin weh', which is incorrect.
Misusing 'Verwundet'
'Verwundet' specifically means 'wounded' and is usually reserved for military contexts (soldiers in battle) or very deep, open wounds. For a typical sports injury or a fall, 'verletzt' is the correct, more natural choice.
Wrong Auxiliary Verb
When using the perfect tense, some learners forget the reflexive pronoun. It is 'Ich habe mich verletzt,' not just 'Ich habe verletzt.' Without the 'mich,' the sentence feels incomplete, as if you injured someone else but didn't say who.

Falsch: Mein Bein ist sehr schmerzhaft verletzt.

Richtig: Mein Bein ist schwer verletzt.

Note: Avoid over-complicating. 'Schwer verletzt' means 'seriously injured'.

Another subtle mistake occurs with the word 'beleidigt' (offended). While 'verletzt' can mean emotionally hurt, 'beleidigt' is more about being 'pouty' or having one's feelings hurt in a way that leads to anger or sulking. If you are deeply pained by a betrayal, use verletzt. If you are annoyed because someone didn't invite you to a party, you might be beleidigt.

Falsch: Ich bin verletzt in dem Finger.

Richtig: Ich bin am Finger verletzt.

Finally, ensure you don't confuse 'verletzt' with 'beschädigt'. 'Beschädigt' is used for objects (a damaged car), while 'verletzt' is strictly for living beings (humans and animals). You wouldn't say your phone is 'verletzt' unless you were personifying it in a poetic or humorous way.

German offers a variety of synonyms for verletzt, each with its own specific nuance and register. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are talking about a physical wound, an emotional slight, or a mechanical damage (though 'verletzt' is rarely used for objects). Understanding these alternatives will help you reach a B1/B2 level of expression.

Verwundet vs. Verletzt
'Verwundet' is 'wounded.' It implies a more severe, often bleeding injury, usually caused by a weapon or a sharp object. It is very common in historical or military contexts. 'Verletzt' is the broader, everyday term.
Lädieret vs. Verletzt
'Lädieret' is a more formal or slightly technical term meaning 'damaged' or 'injured.' It is sometimes used in medical reports or when talking about an object's integrity in a sophisticated way.
Gekränkt vs. Verletzt
When it comes to emotions, 'gekränkt' is a strong alternative. It means 'offended' or 'insulted' in a way that hits one's pride or dignity. While 'verletzt' is about the pain, 'gekränkt' is about the ego.

Er war gekränkt, weil niemand seine Arbeit lobte.

Translation: He was offended/hurt because nobody praised his work.

In colloquial speech, you might hear angeschlagen. This literally means 'struck' but is used to describe someone who is slightly injured or not at 100% health, especially in sports. If a boxer is 'angeschlagen', he is dazed or hurt but still in the fight. Similarly, if you have a cold, you might say you are 'gesundheitlich angeschlagen.'

Der Spieler ist angeschlagen, aber er wird spielen.

Translation: The player is slightly hurt/battered, but he will play.

Lastly, consider 'beschädigt' for inanimate objects. If you drop your laptop, it is 'beschädigt,' not 'verletzt.' Using 'verletzt' for a laptop would be a funny personification, suggesting the laptop has feelings or a biological body. For animals, 'verletzt' is perfectly appropriate.

Ejemplos por nivel

1

Ich bin verletzt.

I am injured.

Simple predicative use of the adjective.

2

Bist du verletzt?

Are you injured?

Question form with 'sein'.

3

Mein Hund ist verletzt.

My dog is injured.

Subject + sein + adjective.

4

Er ist nicht verletzt.

He is not injured.

Negation with 'nicht'.

5

Hilfe, ich bin verletzt!

Help, I am injured!

Exclamatory use.

6

Das Kind ist am Finger verletzt.

The child is injured on the finger.

Using 'am' + body part.

7

Sind Sie verletzt, Herr Müller?

Are you injured, Mr. Müller?

Formal address with 'Sie'.

8

Meine Hand ist verletzt.

My hand is injured.

Possessive pronoun + noun + sein + adjective.

1

Ich habe mich am Bein verletzt.

I injured myself on the leg.

Reflexive verb 'sich verletzen' in perfect tense.

2

Sie ist schwer verletzt.

She is seriously injured.

Adverb 'schwer' modifying the adjective.

3

Niemand wurde bei dem Unfall verletzt.

Nobody was injured in the accident.

Passive voice with 'werden'.

4

Deine Worte haben mich sehr verletzt.

Your words have hurt me very much.

Emotional use, transitive verb.

5

Ist der Spieler am Kopf verletzt?

Is the player injured on the head?

Dative after 'am' (an dem).

6

Ich bin nur leicht verletzt.

I am only slightly injured.

Adverb 'leicht' modifying the adjective.

7

Wir haben uns im Urlaub verletzt.

We injured ourselves on vacation.

Plural reflexive 'uns'.

8

Der Vogel ist am Flügel verletzt.

The bird is injured on the wing.

Specific body part in dative.

1

Der verletzte Mann wartet auf den Arzt.

The injured man is waiting for the doctor.

Attributive adjective with weak declension (-e).

2

Sie fühlte sich durch die Kritik tief verletzt.

She felt deeply hurt by the criticism.

Reflexive 'sich fühlen' + adjective.

3

Bei dem Sturm wurden viele Menschen verletzt.

During the storm, many people were injured.

Passive voice, plural subject.

4

Er konnte wegen einer verletzten Schulter nicht spielen.

He couldn't play because of an injured shoulder.

Attributive adjective after 'wegen' (genitive).

5

Es ist wichtig, verletzte Tiere zu schützen.

It is important to protect injured animals.

Attributive adjective, plural, no article.

6

Ich wollte deine Gefühle nicht verletzen.

I didn't want to hurt your feelings.

Infinitive with 'wollte'.

7

Die verletzte Stelle muss gereinigt werden.

The injured area must be cleaned.

Attributive adjective + passive infinitive.

8

Trotz seiner Verletzung spielte er weiter.

Despite his injury, he continued playing.

Noun form 'Verletzung'.

1

Das Urteil verletzt geltendes Recht.

The verdict violates current law.

Abstract usage: violating laws.

2

Er war in seiner Ehre verletzt.

His honor was wounded.

Idiomatic emotional use.

3

Die Datenschutzrichtlinien wurden grob verletzt.

The data protection guidelines were grossly violated.

Passive voice with adverb 'grob'.

4

Zahlreiche Passagiere erlitten verletzte Gliedmaßen.

Numerous passengers suffered injured limbs.

Formal verb 'erleiden'.

5

Sie ist eine sehr verletzliche Person.

She is a very vulnerable person.

Adjective 'verletzlich' (vulnerable).

6

Die verletzte Stolz hinderte ihn daran, sich zu entschuldigen.

His injured pride prevented him from apologizing.

Abstract noun with attributive adjective.

7

Durch den Vorfall wurde das Vertrauen tief verletzt.

The trust was deeply wounded by the incident.

Metaphorical use in passive voice.

8

Er hat seine Aufsichtspflicht verletzt.

He violated his duty of supervision.

Legal/professional term 'Aufsichtspflicht'.

1

Die Souveränität des Staates wurde verletzt.

The state's sovereignty was violated.

Political/Legal context.

2

Solche Aussagen verletzen die Menschenwürde.

Such statements violate human dignity.

Ethical/Constitutional context.

3

Er fühlte sich in seinem ästhetischen Empfinden verletzt.

He felt his aesthetic sensibilities were offended.

High-level psychological description.

4

Die Urheberrechte wurden durch den Upload verletzt.

Copyrights were violated by the upload.

Intellectual property context.

5

Ihre verletzende Art stieß viele Freunde ab.

Her hurtful manner repelled many friends.

Participle I used as an adjective (active sense).

6

Das Schweigen kann oft verletzender sein als Worte.

Silence can often be more hurtful than words.

Comparative form of the participle.

7

Er hat gegen die verletzten Bestimmungen Einspruch erhoben.

He lodged an objection against the violated regulations.

Attributive use in a complex prepositional phrase.

8

Die Verletzlichkeit der Lieferketten wurde deutlich.

The vulnerability of the supply chains became clear.

Abstract noun usage.

1

Die Lyrik thematisiert das zutiefst verletzte Ich.

The poetry focuses on the deeply wounded ego.

Literary/Philosophical context.

2

Völkerrechtliche Verträge dürfen nicht verletzt werden.

Treaties under international law must not be violated.

Diplomatic/Legal register.

3

In seinem Stolz verletzt, zog er sich gänzlich zurück.

Wounded in his pride, he withdrew completely.

Participle phrase acting as an adverbial.

4

Die Grenzen des guten Geschmacks wurden hier eindeutig verletzt.

The boundaries of good taste were clearly violated here.

Cultural criticism register.

5

Es ist eine verletzungsanfällige Strategie.

It is a strategy prone to being compromised/injured.

Compound adjective 'verletzungsanfällig'.

6

Die Integrität der Daten wurde bei dem Angriff verletzt.

The integrity of the data was compromised during the attack.

Cybersecurity context.

7

Seine verletzliche Maskulinität war ein ständiges Thema.

His fragile masculinity was a constant theme.

Sociological/Gender studies register.

8

Unverletzlichkeit der Wohnung ist ein Grundrecht.

Inviolability of the home is a fundamental right.

Legal term 'Unverletzlichkeit'.

Colocaciones comunes

leicht verletzt
schwer verletzt
tödlich verletzt
am Knie verletzt
tief verletzt
jemanden verletzen
sich verletzen
Regeln verletzen
Rechte verletzen
Gefühle verletzen

Frases Comunes

Bist du verletzt?

— Are you hurt? Used immediately after an accident.

Oh nein, du bist gefallen! Bist du verletzt?

Ich bin am Ende meiner Kräfte und verletzt.

— I am exhausted and hurt. Used in dramatic or very tired contexts.

Nach dem Streit war sie einfach nur verletzt.

Verletzte Eitelkeit

— Wounded vanity. Used when someone is upset because their ego was hit.

Das ist doch nur verletzte Eitelkeit.

Schwer verletzt ins Krankenhaus gebracht

— Taken to the hospital seriously injured. Standard news phrase.

Drei Personen wurden schwer verletzt ins Krankenhaus gebracht.

Sich beim Sport verletzen

— To get injured while doing sports.

Er hat sich beim Sport am Rücken verletzt.

Niemand wurde verletzt.

— No one was hurt. A common relief-filled statement.

Das Haus brannte, aber zum Glück wurde niemand verletzt.

Tief in der Seele verletzt

— Hurt deep in the soul. Very poetic/emotional.

Er war tief in seiner Seele verletzt.

Gefühle wurden verletzt.

— Feelings were hurt. Used to describe social friction.

In dieser Diskussion wurden viele Gefühle verletzt.

Verletzte Stolz

— Injured pride. A common reason for conflict.

Er handelte aus verletztem Stolz.

Leicht verletzt entlassen

— Discharged with minor injuries. Medical context.

Der Patient konnte leicht verletzt entlassen werden.

Modismos y expresiones

"In seiner Ehre verletzt sein"

— To have one's honor wounded.

Er fühlte sich in seiner Ehre verletzt.

Formal
"Jemanden an seiner empfindlichsten Stelle verletzen"

— To hurt someone where it hurts the most (metaphorically).

Mit dieser Bemerkung hat sie ihn an seiner empfindlichsten Stelle verletzt.

Neutral
"Verletzte Gefühle heilen langsam"

— Hurt feelings heal slowly.

Gib ihm Zeit; verletzte Gefühle heilen langsam.

Neutral
"Ein verletztes Herz"

— A broken/hurt heart.

Sie trägt ein verletztes Herz in sich.

Poetic
"Die Spielregeln verletzen"

— To break/violate the rules of the game.

Du hast die Spielregeln verletzt, das ist unfair.

Informal
"Das Schweigen verletzen"

— To break the silence (less common than 'brechen', but used for emphasis).

Endlich verletzte er das Schweigen.

Literary
"Sich in seinem Stolz verletzt fühlen"

— To feel wounded in one's pride.

Sie fühlte sich in ihrem Stolz verletzt.

Neutral
"Eine Grenze verletzen"

— To cross/violate a boundary.

Hier hast du eine persönliche Grenze verletzt.

Neutral
"Die Aufsichtspflicht verletzen"

— To fail in one's duty of care/supervision.

Di

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