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A2 verb #4,000 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

opfern

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces opfern en 30 secondes
Explication opfern in your Level:
At the A1 level, you should understand 'opfern' in its simplest sense: giving something up to get something else. While it's a bit advanced for absolute beginners, you might see it in simple stories. Think of it as 'to give' (geben) but with a more serious feeling. For example, if you have two apples and you give one to a hungry child, you are 'sacrificing' that apple. At this level, focus on the structure 'Ich opfere [thing]'. Don't worry about complex grammar yet. Just remember it means giving up something important. You might use it to talk about your hobbies: 'Ich opfere meine Zeit für Deutsch' (I sacrifice my time for German). This shows you are working hard! Even at A1, knowing this word helps you express that some things are not easy but worth it. It is a regular verb, so it follows the same rules as 'lernen' or 'machen'.
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At the A2 level, you can start using 'opfern' to describe your daily life and decisions. You now know that German verbs often take an object, and 'opfern' takes the accusative (the thing you give up). You can use it to talk about money, time, or energy. For example, 'Ich opfere mein Geld für ein neues Auto' (I sacrifice my money for a new car). You should also learn the reflexive form 'sich opfern' (to sacrifice oneself). This is very common when talking about family. 'Meine Eltern opfern sich für mich' (My parents sacrifice themselves for me). This level is about expanding your vocabulary to express more complex emotions and social situations. You can also use it in the past tense: 'Er opferte sein Wochenende' (He sacrificed his weekend). It’s a great word to use when you want to explain why you are tired or why you don't have money – because you 'sacrificed' it for something better.
At B1, you are expected to use 'opfern' in more abstract and professional contexts. You can discuss work-life balance or social issues. You might say, 'Viele Menschen opfern ihre Gesundheit für ihre Karriere' (Many people sacrifice their health for their career). This shows you can handle more complex topics. You should also be comfortable with the passive voice: 'Die Natur wird dem Profit geopfert' (Nature is being sacrificed for profit). This is a common theme in news and discussions. You can also start using common collocations like 'ein Bauernopfer bringen' (to make a pawn sacrifice), which is used in politics or chess. At B1, you understand that 'opfern' implies a choice and a value judgment. It is not just about losing something; it is about the intention behind the loss. You can also compare 'opfern' with 'verzichten auf' and explain the difference in intensity and purpose.
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At the B2 level, 'opfern' becomes a tool for nuanced argumentation. You can use it to describe strategic decisions in business or politics. You might analyze a historical event and say, 'Der König war bereit, sein Volk zu opfern, um den Thron zu behalten' (The king was willing to sacrifice his people to keep the throne). You understand the ethical weight of the word. You can also use it in more sophisticated grammatical structures, such as with modal verbs or in the subjunctive (Konjunktiv II). 'Ich würde niemals meine Freiheit für Sicherheit opfern' (I would never sacrifice my freedom for security). You are also aware of the noun 'das Opfer' and its double meaning of 'sacrifice' and 'victim,' and how the verb 'opfern' relates to these concepts. You can participate in debates about social justice and use 'opfern' to describe the trade-offs people make in a capitalist society.
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At C1, you use 'opfern' with precision in academic and literary contexts. You can explore the philosophical implications of sacrifice in literature or theology. You might write an essay on 'Die Aufopferung des Individuums für das Kollektiv' (The sacrifice of the individual for the collective). You are familiar with archaic or poetic uses of the word, such as in the context of 'Sühneopfer' (atonement sacrifice). You can detect subtle irony or sarcasm when 'opfern' is used in everyday speech. You also know related verbs like 'darbringen,' 'hingeben,' or 'preisgeben' and can explain exactly why 'opfern' is the better choice in a given sentence. Your use of the word is not just grammatically correct, but also stylistically appropriate for the register you are speaking or writing in. You understand the historical development of the word from its religious roots to its modern metaphorical applications.
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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'opfern' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can use the word in complex legal, theological, or philosophical discourses. You might discuss the 'Opferbereitschaft' (willingness to sacrifice) of a population during a national crisis or analyze the 'Bauernopfer-Strategie' in a complex political scandal with deep insight. You can use the word in highly idiomatic ways and understand its most obscure references in classical German literature (e.g., Goethe or Schiller). You are comfortable with the most complex syntax involving 'opfern,' including nested clauses and advanced passive constructions. You can also discuss the linguistic evolution of the word and its cognates in other Germanic languages. For you, 'opfern' is not just a verb, but a concept with a rich history and a multitude of subtle shades of meaning that you can deploy at will to achieve specific rhetorical effects.
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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

opfern en 30 secondes

  • Opfern means to sacrifice something valuable (time, money, life) for a specific purpose or person.
  • It is a regular (weak) verb: opfern, opferte, hat geopfert.
  • It can be used reflexively (sich opfern) to mean sacrificing oneself.
  • Commonly used in contexts like family, sports (chess), politics, and religion.

The German verb opfern is a powerful and versatile word that translates primarily to 'to sacrifice' or 'to give up' something valuable for a higher purpose, a cause, or another person. At its core, it describes the act of surrendering something—be it time, money, comfort, or even life itself—under the premise that this loss serves a greater good or fulfills a specific duty. While in English we might use 'sacrifice' in both religious and secular contexts, German uses opfern with a similar breadth, though the noun form das Opfer can mean both 'the sacrifice' and 'the victim,' which adds a layer of depth to the verb's usage.

Core Concept
The voluntary or necessitated surrender of an asset or value to achieve a goal or honor a deity.

In everyday modern German, you will most frequently encounter opfern in the context of personal resources. For instance, a student might opfern their weekend to study for a difficult exam. Here, the 'sacrifice' is the leisure time, and the 'cause' is academic success. It is also common in familial contexts, where parents might sich opfern (sacrifice themselves) for the well-being of their children. This reflexive use is particularly strong in German, implying a total devotion of one's energy and interests to the needs of another.

Sie opferte ihre gesamte Freizeit, um dem Tierheim zu helfen.

Historically, the word has deep roots in religious rituals. In ancient Germanic and later Christian contexts, to opfern meant to bring an offering to a god. This could be grain, animals, or symbolic items. In modern theological German, this sense remains, but it has largely been superseded in common parlance by the metaphorical sacrifice of abstract concepts like 'career,' 'health,' or 'principles.'

Social Context
Often used in political discourse when a leader must 'sacrifice' a subordinate (Bauernopfer) to save their own reputation.

Der Minister musste seinen Berater opfern, um den Skandal zu beenden.

Understanding opfern also requires distinguishing it from verzichten (to do without). While verzichten is more about the act of abstaining, opfern emphasizes the value of what is lost and the specific direction of that loss toward a purpose. When you opfern something, there is an inherent sense of 'giving up' something precious for 'giving to' something meaningful.

Reflexive Usage
'Sich opfern' (to sacrifice oneself) often carries a connotation of martyrdom or extreme altruism.

Er opferte die Dame, um den König mattzusetzen.

Using opfern correctly involves understanding its transitive nature. In its most basic form, it takes an accusative object (the thing being sacrificed) and often a dative object or a prepositional phrase starting with für (the beneficiary or the cause). The sentence structure usually follows: [Subject] + [opfern] + [Accusative Object] + [für + Accusative].

Basic Structure
Ich opfere (verb) meine Zeit (Acc. object) für meine Freunde (Prepositional phrase).

When using the reflexive form sich opfern, the subject and the object are the same person. This is frequently used to describe people who are very selfless. For example, 'Die Mutter opfert sich für ihre Kinder' (The mother sacrifices herself for her children). In this case, 'sich' is the accusative reflexive pronoun. It is important to note that the verb is regular (weak), meaning its forms are predictable: opferte (past) and geopfert (perfect participle).

Hast du wirklich dein ganzes Erspartes für dieses Projekt geopfert?

In more formal or literary German, opfern can be used with a dative object representing the deity or entity receiving the sacrifice. This is less common in modern spoken German but vital for reading older texts or religious scriptures. For example, 'Dem Gott ein Lamm opfern' (To sacrifice a lamb to the god). Here, 'dem Gott' is dative. In modern contexts, we usually replace this with 'für' or 'zu Ehren von' (in honor of).

Tense Variations
Präsens: Er opfert. Präteritum: Er opferte. Perfekt: Er hat geopfert. Futur: Er wird opfern.

Viele Soldaten opferten im Krieg ihr Leben.

Another nuance is the use of opfern in business or strategy. Here, it is often about 'cutting losses.' If a company 'sacrifices' a branch or a product line, it means they are letting it go to save the rest of the company. The phrasing remains the same: 'Die Firma opfert die unrentable Sparte.'

Common Accusative Objects
Zeit (time), Geld (money), Gesundheit (health), Karriere (career), Schlaf (sleep), Leben (life).

Ich würde alles für dich opfern.

The word opfern permeates various layers of German society, from high-stakes politics to kitchen-table conversations. In the news, you will frequently hear it during election cycles or corporate restructuring. Journalists might report that a politician 'must sacrifice their integrity' to stay in power, or that a CEO 'sacrificed thousands of jobs' to satisfy shareholders. In these contexts, opfern carries a critical, often cynical weight, highlighting the human or moral cost of a decision.

News & Media
Used to describe the 'victims' of policy changes or strategic maneuvers in power struggles.

In the realm of sports, particularly chess, opfern is a technical term. Commentators will say, 'Carlsen opfert seinen Läufer' (Carlsen sacrifices his bishop). This isn't emotional; it's a strategic calculation. Similarly, in team sports like football (soccer), a player might 'sacrifice' themselves by taking a tactical foul to prevent a goal, which is often described as 'sich für die Mannschaft opfern.'

Der Verteidiger opferte sich mit einem Foul, um das Gegentor zu verhindern.

In domestic life, the word often appears in discussions about work-life balance. You might hear a friend complain, 'Ich will nicht mein ganzes Privatleben für diesen Job opfern' (I don't want to sacrifice my entire private life for this job). Here, it expresses a boundary-setting sentiment. It is also used in a more lighthearted, hyperbolic way: 'Ich opfere mich und esse das letzte Stück Kuchen' (I'll sacrifice myself and eat the last piece of cake), though this is clearly ironic.

Literature and film also use opfern to drive dramatic tension. The 'hero's sacrifice' is a common trope where the protagonist opfert sein Leben to save the world. In German dubbing of Hollywood movies, whenever a character says 'I'll give it up for you' or 'I'll lay down my life,' the translation almost always employs a form of opfern.

Pop Culture
Common in fantasy novels and epic movies involving prophecy and 'the chosen one' who must sacrifice something.

In vielen Sagen muss ein Held etwas Kostbares opfern.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing opfern with the noun das Opfer. Remember that opfern is the action (to sacrifice), while das Opfer is the result or the person affected (the sacrifice/victim). You cannot say 'Ich bin opfern' to mean 'I am a victim'; you must say 'Ich bin ein Opfer.' Conversely, you cannot say 'Ich mache ein Opfer' as easily as you can just say 'Ich opfere.'

Confusion with 'verzichten'
Learners often use 'opfern' when they simply mean 'to skip' or 'to do without.' Use 'verzichten auf' for everyday skipping (like coffee) and 'opfern' for serious giving up (like a career).

Another grammatical pitfall involves the reflexive pronoun. Some learners forget to use sich when they mean they are sacrificing themselves. 'Er opfert für die Familie' is incomplete; it sounds like he is sacrificing an object for them. To say he is giving himself up, you must say 'Er opfert sich für die Familie.' The placement of 'sich' follows standard German reflexive rules (usually right after the conjugated verb).

Wrong: Er opfert sein Zeit.
Right: Er opfert seine Zeit. (Gender/Case agreement)

Tense mistakes are also common. Because opfern ends in '-ern', some learners struggle with the conjugation in the present tense. It is ich opfere (often shortened to ich opfer' in speech), du opferst, er opfert. In the past tense, it's opferte, not opferte'd or any other irregular form. It follows the pattern of wandern or feiern.

Lastly, prepositional errors occur. Beginners often use zu instead of für for the purpose. While zu can be used in specific religious contexts ('zum Opfer bringen'), for general sacrifices like time or money, für + Accusative is the standard and safest choice. 'Ich opfere Zeit für meine Kinder' is much more natural than 'Ich opfere Zeit zu meinen Kindern.'

Preposition Tip
Always use 'für' when describing who or what the sacrifice is for. Use the dative case only when referring to a recipient of a ritual offering.

Wrong: Er hat sein Leben zu dem Land geopfert.
Right: Er hat sein Leben für das Land geopfert.

German has several words that overlap with opfern, but each has a specific 'flavor.' Understanding these nuances will make your German sound much more sophisticated and precise. The most common alternative is verzichten, but as mentioned, it is more about 'doing without' than 'giving up for a cause.'

Opfern vs. Verzichten
Opfern: High cost, specific goal, active surrender.
Verzichten: Can be small, often about self-restraint (e.g., 'auf Zucker verzichten').

Another synonym is hingeben. This word is often more poetic or emotional. While you opfern your time to a project, you geben dich einer Leidenschaft hin (you devote yourself to a passion). Hingeben implies a sense of flow and total immersion, whereas opfern often implies a painful or difficult choice.

Sie gab sich ganz ihrer Musik hin. (Alternative to 'sich opfern')

In formal settings, you might encounter darbringen. This is almost exclusively used for ritual offerings or formal presentations. You wouldn't darbringen your weekend for a job; you would ein Opfer darbringen (bring an offering) in a temple or church. It is a very elevated, solemn term.

Lastly, consider preisgeben. This means 'to give up' or 'to expose' something, often a secret or a position. If a general gibt eine Stadt preis, they are abandoning it to the enemy. While similar to opfern, preisgeben has a stronger connotation of 'leaving something unprotected' or 'betraying' a secret.

Quick Comparison
Aufgeben: To quit/stop.
Hingeben: To devote/surrender.
Preisgeben: To reveal/abandon.
Opfern: To sacrifice for a purpose.

Er wollte seine Prinzipien nicht preisgeben.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

Although it sounds like 'offer' in English, they are cognates. In German, 'anbieten' is the common word for 'to offer,' while 'opfern' is reserved for the more serious 'sacrifice.'

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈɔpfɐn/
US /ˈɔpfərn/
The stress is on the first syllable: OP-fern.
Rime avec
hopfern klopfern stopfern
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Pronouncing 'pf' as just 'f' or just 'p'. It must be both.
  • Making the 'o' too long like in 'go'. It should be short.
  • Over-pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r' instead of a German vocalic 'r'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Easy to recognize due to English 'offer' similarity but requires context to distinguish from 'victim'.

Écriture 4/5

Requires correct conjugation and understanding of the reflexive 'sich'.

Expression orale 4/5

The 'pf' sound can be tricky for English speakers.

Écoute 3/5

Clear pronunciation, but context is needed to see if it's the verb or noun.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

geben Zeit Geld für sich

Apprends ensuite

verzichten hingeben widmen darbringen

Avancé

die Aufopferung die Opferbereitschaft das Sühneopfer

Grammaire à connaître

Reflexive Verbs

Ich opfere mich.

Dative vs Accusative Objects

Ich opfere (Akk) dem Gott (Dat).

Weak Verb Conjugation

Ich opferte, du opfertest.

Prepositional Objects with 'für'

Opfern für den Erfolg.

Nominalization of Verbs

Das Opfern ist schwer.

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Exemples par niveau

1

Ich opfere meine Zeit.

I sacrifice my time.

Simple Subject + Verb + Accusative Object.

2

Er opfert einen Apfel.

He sacrifices an apple.

Masculine accusative 'einen'.

3

Opferst du dein Geld?

Are you sacrificing your money?

Question form with verb first.

4

Wir opfern den Sonntag.

We sacrifice Sunday.

Plural 'wir' + verb.

5

Sie opfert Blumen.

She sacrifices flowers.

Third person singular 'sie'.

6

Ich opfere das für dich.

I sacrifice that for you.

Preposition 'für' + accusative 'dich'.

7

Er opfert nichts.

He sacrifices nothing.

Negation with 'nichts'.

8

Opfere dein Spielzeug!

Sacrifice your toy!

Imperative form.

1

Ich opfere mein Wochenende für die Arbeit.

I sacrifice my weekend for work.

Accusative 'mein Wochenende'.

2

Sie opfert sich für ihre Kinder.

She sacrifices herself for her children.

Reflexive 'sich opfern'.

3

Wir haben viel Zeit geopfert.

We have sacrificed a lot of time.

Perfekt tense with 'haben' + 'geopfert'.

4

Er opferte sein altes Auto.

He sacrificed his old car.

Präteritum (past tense) 'opferte'.

5

Warum opferst du deine Ruhe?

Why are you sacrificing your peace?

Interrogative with 'warum'.

6

Ihr opfert euer Geld für den Urlaub.

You (plural) sacrifice your money for the vacation.

Possessive 'euer' in accusative.

7

Man muss manchmal etwas opfern.

One must sometimes sacrifice something.

Modal verb 'muss' + infinitive 'opfern'.

8

Sie opferten alles für die Freiheit.

They sacrificed everything for freedom.

Plural Präteritum.

1

Er opferte seine Karriere für seine Familie.

He sacrificed his career for his family.

Abstract accusative object 'Karriere'.

2

Die Firma opfert die Qualität für den Preis.

The company sacrifices quality for the price.

Subject is a collective noun 'die Firma'.

3

Ich bin bereit, mein Leben zu opfern.

I am ready to sacrifice my life.

Adjective 'bereit' + 'zu' + infinitive.

4

Es wurde viel für diesen Erfolg geopfert.

A lot was sacrificed for this success.

Passive voice 'wurde geopfert'.

5

Soll ich meine Prinzipien opfern?

Should I sacrifice my principles?

Modal verb 'soll'.

6

Sie opferte ihre Gesundheit dem Stress.

She sacrificed her health to the stress.

Dative 'dem Stress' as the recipient.

7

Wir dürfen unsere Werte nicht opfern.

We must not sacrifice our values.

Negated modal verb 'dürfen nicht'.

8

Er hat sich für das Team geopfert.

He sacrificed himself for the team.

Reflexive Perfekt.

1

Die Regierung opfert den Umweltschutz den wirtschaftlichen Interessen.

The government sacrifices environmental protection to economic interests.

Double object: Accusative (Umweltschutz) and Dative (Interessen).

2

Man darf die Sicherheit nicht der Bequemlichkeit opfern.

One must not sacrifice safety for convenience.

Dative recipient 'der Bequemlichkeit'.

3

Er wurde als Bauernopfer geopfert.

He was sacrificed as a pawn.

Idiomatic use of 'Bauernopfer'.

4

Sie opferte ihre Jugend einem unerreichbaren Traum.

She sacrificed her youth to an unreachable dream.

Dative 'einem... Traum'.

5

Um das Ziel zu erreichen, müssen wir Komfort opfern.

To reach the goal, we must sacrifice comfort.

Infinitive clause 'Um... zu'.

6

Kein Mensch sollte seine Würde opfern müssen.

No human should have to sacrifice their dignity.

Triple verb construction 'sollte... opfern müssen'.

7

Die Soldaten opferten sich heldenhaft.

The soldiers sacrificed themselves heroically.

Adverb 'heldenhaft'.

8

Hätte er mehr Zeit geopfert, wäre er erfolgreicher.

If he had sacrificed more time, he would be more successful.

Konjunktiv II (Conditional).

1

Die ästhetische Form wurde dem inhaltlichen Ausdruck geopfert.

Aesthetic form was sacrificed for content expression.

Formal passive voice.

2

Er opferte seine Integrität auf dem Altar des Erfolgs.

He sacrificed his integrity on the altar of success.

Metaphorical prepositional phrase 'auf dem Altar'.

3

Oft werden langfristige Ziele kurzfristigen Gewinnen geopfert.

Often, long-term goals are sacrificed for short-term profits.

Passive with dative 'kurzfristigen Gewinnen'.

4

Sie war bereit, ihre gesamte Existenz der Forschung zu opfern.

She was ready to sacrifice her entire existence to research.

Dative 'der Forschung'.

5

In der Tragödie opfert der Held oft sein Glück der Pflicht.

In tragedy, the hero often sacrifices his happiness for duty.

Literary context.

6

Man kann nicht die Wahrheit der politischen Korrektheit opfern.

One cannot sacrifice truth for political correctness.

Philosophical/Political context.

7

Er hat sich bis zur Selbstaufgabe geopfert.

He sacrificed himself to the point of self-abandonment.

Noun 'Selbstaufgabe' within a prepositional phrase.

8

Die Frage ist, was wir bereit sind zu opfern.

The question is what we are willing to sacrifice.

Relative clause + infinitive.

1

Nietzsche thematisiert das Opfern des Intellekts.

Nietzsche addresses the sacrifice of the intellect.

Nominalized verb 'das Opfern'.

2

Die sakrale Handlung des Opferns ist tief in der Kultur verwurzelt.

The sacral act of sacrificing is deeply rooted in culture.

Genitive 'des Opferns'.

3

Er opferte seine Individualität den unerbittlichen Anforderungen des Systems.

He sacrificed his individuality to the relentless demands of the system.

Complex dative object.

4

Das Werk opfert die narrative Kohärenz einer experimentellen Ästhetik.

The work sacrifices narrative coherence for an experimental aesthetic.

Abstract literary analysis.

5

Man darf den Geist des Gesetzes nicht dem Buchstaben opfern.

One must not sacrifice the spirit of the law to the letter.

Idiomatic legal expression.

6

Sie opferte ihre Privatsphäre dem gleißenden Licht der Öffentlichkeit.

She sacrificed her privacy to the glaring light of the public eye.

Metaphorical language.

7

Jedes Handeln bedeutet, Möglichkeiten zu opfern.

Every action means sacrificing possibilities.

Philosophical statement.

8

Die historische Forschung opfert oft die Legende der nackten Wahrheit.

Historical research often sacrifices the legend for the naked truth.

Personification of 'research'.

Collocations courantes

Zeit opfern
sein Leben opfern
Geld opfern
eine Figur opfern
die Karriere opfern
sich für jemanden opfern
die Gesundheit opfern
ein Bauernopfer bringen
Prinzipien opfern
den Schlaf opfern

Phrases Courantes

etwas dem Erfolg opfern

— To give something up for the sake of success.

Er opferte seine Freizeit dem Erfolg.

sich ganz einer Sache opfern

— To devote oneself entirely to a cause.

Sie opferte sich ganz der Musik.

keine Zeit zu opfern haben

— To have no time to waste/give up.

Ich habe heute keine Zeit zu opfern.

als Opfer dienen

— To serve as a sacrifice.

Dieses Tier sollte als Opfer dienen.

ein großes Opfer bringen

— To make a big sacrifice.

Sie haben ein großes Opfer für uns gebracht.

etwas für einen guten Zweck opfern

— To sacrifice something for a good cause.

Wir opfern Kleidung für einen guten Zweck.

sich für die Allgemeinheit opfern

— To sacrifice oneself for the general public.

Feuerwehrleute opfern sich für die Allgemeinheit.

alles opfern

— To sacrifice everything.

Er war bereit, alles zu opfern.

dem Gott opfern

— To sacrifice to the god.

Sie opferten dem Gott Wein.

die Qualität opfern

— To sacrifice quality (usually for speed or price).

Wir dürfen die Qualität nicht der Eile opfern.

Souvent confondu avec

opfern vs anbieten

Anbieten is to offer a gift; opfern is to sacrifice something.

opfern vs verzichten

Verzichten is to do without; opfern is to give up for a cause.

opfern vs aufgeben

Aufgeben is to quit; opfern is to lose something for a purpose.

Expressions idiomatiques

"ein Bauernopfer bringen"

— To sacrifice a low-ranking person to save someone more important.

Der Chef nutzte ihn als Bauernopfer.

politics/business
"sich auf dem Altar der Liebe opfern"

— To give up everything for love (often dramatic).

Sie opferte sich auf dem Altar der Liebe.

literary
"etwas der Form halber opfern"

— To sacrifice something just for the sake of appearance.

Er opferte die Wahrheit der Form halber.

neutral
"sich wie ein Lamm zum Opfern führen lassen"

— To let oneself be led to the slaughter without resistance.

Er ließ sich wie ein Lamm opfern.

idiomatic
"den Verstand opfern"

— To stop thinking critically for a belief.

Man sollte seinen Verstand nicht der Ideologie opfern.

philosophical
"die Wahrheit opfern"

— To lie for a specific purpose.

Er opferte die Wahrheit seinem Stolz.

neutral
"sich für die Firma opfern"

— To work excessively hard for one's employer.

Er opfert sich total für die Firma.

informal
"ein Dankopfer bringen"

— To show gratitude through a sacrifice or gift.

Sie brachten ein Dankopfer dar.

formal
"dem Zeitgeist opfern"

— To change something just to follow modern trends.

Das alte Gebäude wurde dem Zeitgeist geopfert.

cultural
"seine Seele opfern"

— To give up one's morals for gain.

Er hat seine Seele dem Geld geopfert.

literary

Facile à confondre

opfern vs das Opfer

Noun vs Verb.

Das Opfer is the victim or the sacrifice itself; opfern is the action.

Er ist ein Opfer. Er will sich opfern.

opfern vs anbieten

English 'offer' sounds like 'opfern'.

Anbieten is helpful/commercial; opfern is serious/sacrificial.

Ich biete Hilfe an. Ich opfere Zeit.

opfern vs hingeben

Both mean surrendering.

Hingeben is more about devotion/passion; opfern is more about loss/duty.

Er gab sich der Musik hin. Er opferte seine Zeit.

opfern vs preisgeben

Both involve giving something up.

Preisgeben involves exposure or abandonment; opfern involves a goal.

Er gab das Geheimnis preis. Er opferte seinen Stolz.

opfern vs spenden

Both involve giving.

Spenden is to donate (usually money/blood); opfern is broader and heavier.

Ich spende Geld. Ich opfere mein Leben.

Structures de phrases

A1

Ich opfere [Ding].

Ich opfere Zeit.

A2

Ich opfere [Ding] für [Person].

Ich opfere Geld für meine Schwester.

B1

Er hat sich für [Sache] geopfert.

Er hat sich für die Kunst geopfert.

B2

Man opfert [Akk] dem [Dat].

Man opfert die Freiheit der Sicherheit.

C1

Etwas wurde [Dat] geopfert.

Die Natur wurde dem Profit geopfert.

C2

Das Opfern von [Gen] ist [Adj].

Das Opfern von Prinzipien ist gefährlich.

B1

Ohne [Akk] zu opfern...

Ohne Zeit zu opfern, geht es nicht.

A2

Willst du [Akk] opfern?

Willst du dein Leben opfern?

Famille de mots

Noms

das Opfer (sacrifice/victim)
die Aufopferung (self-sacrifice)
die Opferung (the act of sacrificing)
die Opferbereitschaft (willingness to sacrifice)
der Opferstock (alms box)

Verbes

aufopfern (to sacrifice oneself completely)

Adjectifs

opferbereit (willing to sacrifice)
aufopferungsvoll (self-sacrificing)
opferreich (costly/full of sacrifice)

Apparenté

das Blutopfer
das Tieropfer
das Brandopfer
die Opfergabe
das Bauernopfer
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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

High in news, sports, and serious personal discussions.

Erreurs courantes
  • Ich bin opfern. → Ich bin ein Opfer.

    You cannot use the verb as an adjective or noun like this.

  • Er opferte sein Zeit. → Er opferte seine Zeit.

    Grammatical gender: 'Zeit' is feminine, so it's 'seine'.

  • Ich opfere zu Gott. → Ich opfere Gott (Dat) / für Gott.

    Incorrect preposition. Use Dative directly or 'für'.

  • Er hat sein Geld geopfere. → Er hat sein Geld geopfert.

    Incorrect past participle ending.

  • Sie opfert auf ihren Urlaub. → Sie opfert ihren Urlaub.

    'Opfern' takes a direct accusative object, no 'auf' needed.

Astuces

Reflexive Pronouns

Always remember the 'sich' if you are the one being sacrificed. 'Er opfert sich' vs 'Er opfert Zeit'.

Opfer vs Victim

Remember that German doesn't distinguish between sacrifice and victim in the noun 'Opfer'.

Chess Terms

Use 'opfern' when talking about strategy; it makes you sound like a pro.

Metaphors

Use 'auf dem Altar von...' to sound more literary when using 'opfern'.

Pronounce the P

Don't skip the 'p' in 'pf'. It's a distinct sound in German.

Don't overdo it

Don't use 'opfern' for every little thing you give up; use 'verzichten' for minor things.

Check the Dative

If you see a dative after 'opfern,' it's the thing or person the sacrifice is for.

Pawn Sacrifice

Associate the word with a chess pawn to remember its strategic meaning.

Passive Voice

'Geopfert werden' is very common in news reports about budgets or social programs.

Altruism

Use 'sich opfern für' to describe heroes or very kind people.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of an 'OFFER' that is so 'OPEN' it hurts—that is an 'OPFERN'. You are offering something up at a cost.

Association visuelle

Imagine a chess player pushing a pawn (Bauer) into danger to save the Queen. This is a 'Bauernopfer' (pawn sacrifice).

Word Web

Opfer Gott Zeit Geld Karriere sich opfern Bauernopfer Altar

Défi

Try to use 'opfern' in three different contexts today: once for time, once for money, and once reflexively about yourself.

Origine du mot

From Middle High German 'opfern', from Old High German 'opfarōn'. It is borrowed from Latin 'operari' (to work, to serve a god) or 'offerre' (to offer).

Sens originel : To perform a religious service or to bring an offering to a deity.

Germanic, with Latin roots.

Contexte culturel

Be careful using 'Opfer' as a noun in school settings, as it is a common bullying term. Use the verb 'opfern' freely as it remains noble.

In English, 'victim' and 'sacrifice' are two different words. In German, they are both 'Opfer.' This can lead to confusion if you translate 'He is a sacrifice' instead of 'He is a victim.'

Goethe's 'Die Braut von Korinth' (mentions of sacrifice). The biblical story of Abraham and Isaac (the ultimate 'Opfer'). Chess theory: The 'Queen's Gambit' involves an 'Opfer'.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Work

  • Überstunden opfern
  • die Karriere opfern
  • Urlaubstage opfern
  • sich für die Firma opfern

Games/Chess

  • einen Bauern opfern
  • die Dame opfern
  • eine Figur opfern
  • ein taktisches Opfer

Family

  • sich für die Kinder opfern
  • Zeit für die Familie opfern
  • alles opfern
  • ein großes Opfer bringen

Religion/History

  • den Göttern opfern
  • ein Lamm opfern
  • ein Brandopfer
  • das Leben opfern

Politics

  • ein Bauernopfer bringen
  • Wählerstimmen opfern
  • Prinzipien opfern
  • den Minister opfern

Amorces de conversation

"Was würdest du niemals für Geld opfern?"

"Hast du schon einmal dein Wochenende für einen Freund geopfert?"

"Opferst du oft deinen Schlaf für die Arbeit?"

"Ist es wichtig, sich für seine Familie zu opfern?"

"Welche Spielfigur würdest du im Schach zuerst opfern?"

Sujets d'écriture

Schreibe über eine Zeit, in der du etwas Wichtiges geopfert hast. War es das wert?

Was bedeutet 'Selbstaufopferung' für dich in der heutigen Gesellschaft?

Sollte man seine Träume für die Sicherheit opfern? Warum oder warum nicht?

Beschreibe eine historische Person, die ihr Leben für eine Sache geopfert hat.

Wie fühlst du dich, wenn du Zeit für dein Hobby opferst?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, it often has a noble or heroic connotation, though the loss itself might be sad.

Yes, but it sounds dramatic or ironic. 'Ich opfere mein letztes Keks' is a joke.

'Aufopfern' is more intense and usually reflexive (sich aufopfern), meaning to sacrifice oneself completely.

The thing being sacrificed is Accusative. The person/entity receiving it can be Dative.

As a noun in slang, yes, it's an insult. As a verb 'opfern,' it is perfectly fine.

You say 'einen Bauern opfern' or 'ein Bauernopfer bringen'.

In a historical or metaphorical sense, yes (Menschenopfer). In modern life, it's usually metaphorical (e.g., in politics).

It is the noun for 'self-sacrifice,' the act of putting others' needs entirely before one's own.

Yes, it follows the weak conjugation pattern (opferte, geopfert).

No, for that you would use 'zum Opfer machen' or 'schikanieren'.

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Teste-toi 190 questions

writing

Write a sentence about sacrificing your weekend for a friend.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Use 'sich opfern' in a sentence about a mother.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence in the past tense (Präteritum) about a soldier.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'I have sacrificed my sleep for the exam.'

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Create a question using 'opfern' and 'Geld'.

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writing

Write a sentence about a chess player sacrificing a queen.

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writing

Use 'Bauernopfer' in a political context.

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writing

Write a sentence with 'bereit sein zu opfern'.

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writing

Translate: 'We should not sacrifice our environment for profit.'

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence using 'sich aufopfern'.

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writing

Use the passive voice: 'The forest was sacrificed for the highway.'

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writing

Write a formal sentence about sacrificing resources.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'Everything has its price; you have to sacrifice something.'

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence about sacrificing a career for love.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Use 'kein Opfer bringen' in a sentence.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence about a ritual sacrifice.

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writing

Translate: 'He sacrificed his health to stress.'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'opferbereit'.

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writing

Use 'auf dem Altar der Wissenschaft' in a sentence.

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writing

Write a sentence about what you would never sacrifice.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Describe a sacrifice you made for your studies.

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speaking

Discuss if people should sacrifice their privacy for security.

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speaking

Explain the term 'Bauernopfer' to a friend.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Tell a story about a hero who sacrifices something.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Talk about work-life balance using 'opfern'.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Pronounce correctly: 'Ich opfere meine Zeit.'

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speaking

Ask a classmate what they would sacrifice for a million euros.

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speaking

Roleplay a chess commentator describing a sacrifice.

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speaking

Debate: Is 'sich opfern' for others always a good thing?

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speaking

Say: 'I would sacrifice everything for you.'

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speaking

Talk about religious sacrifices in history.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Describe a situation where quality was sacrificed for price.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Use the word 'opferbereit' in a sentence about a team.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Explain why someone might sacrifice their career.

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speaking

Say: 'Don't sacrifice your principles.'

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

How do you feel about parents sacrificing themselves for children?

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speaking

Translate and speak: 'He sacrificed his weekend.'

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speaking

Discuss the slang use of 'Opfer'.

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speaking

Describe a 'Bauernopfer' you saw in the news.

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speaking

Say: 'No sacrifice is too big.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen to the sentence: 'Er hat sein Leben geopfert.' What did he give up?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen: 'Ich opfere meine Zeit für dich.' Who is the beneficiary?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen: 'Die Dame wurde geopfert.' Which game is likely?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen: 'Wir opferten den Sonntag.' When did it happen?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen: 'Sich zu opfern ist schwer.' Is it easy or hard?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen: 'Das Bauernopfer war nötig.' Was the sacrifice necessary?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen: 'Sie opfert ihr Geld.' What is she giving up?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen: 'Wirst du deine Ruhe opfern?' Is this present, past, or future?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen: 'Kein Mensch sollte geopfert werden.' What is the sentiment?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen: 'Er opferte seine Karriere der Liebe.' Why did he give up his career?

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listening

Listen: 'Opfere nichts!' Is it a command or a question?

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listening

Listen: 'Alles wurde dem Erfolg geopfert.' What was the focus?

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listening

Listen: 'Sie opferten den Göttern.' Who received the sacrifice?

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listening

Listen: 'Ich habe geopfert.' Which tense is this?

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listening

Listen: 'Ein großes Opfer bringen.' Does this use the verb 'opfern'?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

/ 190 correct

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