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verheiraten

A2 verb #6,500 most common 11 min read

verheiraten

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips verheiraten in 30 Seconds

Explanation verheiraten in your Level:

At the A1 level, you will mostly encounter the word 'verheiratet' as an adjective. It is one of the first words you learn to describe your family status (Familienstand). You will use it in simple sentences like 'Ich bin verheiratet' (I am married) or 'Bist du verheiratet?' (Are you married?). At this stage, you don't need to worry about the active verb 'verheiraten' (to marry off), as it is too complex. Just focus on 'verheiratet' as a state. You might also learn 'ledig' (single), 'geschieden' (divorced), and 'verwitwet' (widowed) as part of this group. The word is very important for filling out forms in Germany, such as at the 'Bürgeramt' or when applying for a visa. Remember that 'verheiratet' comes from 'Heirat' (marriage). Even though it looks like a verb, at A1, treat it like an adjective that describes a person. You should also know the basic verb 'heiraten' (to marry), which is used when two people decide to become a couple. For example: 'Meine Schwester heiratet im Sommer.' Don't confuse the two! 'Heiraten' is the action, 'verheiratet sein' is the result. This level is all about building the foundation of your personal vocabulary. Practice saying 'Ich bin nicht verheiratet' if you are single, or 'Meine Eltern sind seit 30 Jahren verheiratet' to describe your family. This helps you get used to the sound and spelling of the word, which is quite long but follows standard German pronunciation rules. Focus on the 'ei' sound (like 'eye') and the 'at' ending. By the end of A1, you should be comfortable using the adjective 'verheiratet' in any basic conversation about your personal life.

At the A2 level, you start to see the difference between the adjective 'verheiratet' and the verb 'verheiraten'. You will learn that 'verheiraten' is an active process. While A1 focused on 'I am married', A2 introduces the idea of 'someone marries someone'. However, at A2, 'heiraten' is still more common. You might hear 'verheiraten' in stories or when someone talks about a 'Standesbeamte' (registrar) who 'verheiratet' a couple. A key part of A2 is understanding past tenses. You will learn 'hat geheiratet' (has married) and 'war verheiratet' (was married). You might also encounter the reflexive form 'sich verheiraten' in reading texts, which is just a more formal way of saying 'to get married'. It is important to notice the 'ver-' prefix. In German, 'ver-' often indicates a change of state. So, 'heiraten' is the act, and 'verheiraten' is the process of making that act happen. You can practice this by describing weddings you have attended. 'Der Priester hat meine Cousine verheiratet' (The priest married my cousin). This shows you understand that the priest is the one performing the action. You should also start to notice that 'verheiraten' is a regular verb: verheiraten, verheiratete, hat verheiratet. This is easier to remember than irregular verbs. Another A2 topic is family history. You might read a text about how people 'sich früher sehr jung verheiratet haben' (married very young in the past). Using 'sich verheiraten' instead of just 'heiraten' makes your German sound a little more advanced and nuanced. Pay attention to the preposition 'mit' which is used with the reflexive form: 'Er hat sich mit seiner Jugendliebe verheiratet.'

By B1, you are expected to use 'verheiraten' in more complex social and historical contexts. You will study topics like 'Tradition und Moderne' and 'Familienstrukturen'. Here, the transitive meaning 'to marry someone off' becomes relevant. You might discuss how, in some cultures or in history, parents 'ihre Kinder verheiratet haben' (married off their children). This requires a good grasp of accusative and dative objects. For example: 'Der Vater verheiratete seine Tochter (Acc) mit einem reichen Mann (Dat).' You will also learn to use the passive voice, which is very common with this verb. 'Sie wurde gegen ihren Willen verheiratet' (She was married off against her will). This is a powerful way to describe social pressures. B1 also introduces more formal writing. In a report about social trends, you might use the noun 'die Verheiratung'. 'Die Verheiratung von jungen Menschen nimmt ab' (The marriage of young people is decreasing). You should be able to distinguish between 'heiraten' (personal choice), 'verheiraten' (external arrangement or official act), and 'sich verheiraten' (formal entry into marriage). You will also encounter the word in the context of 'Standesamt' and legal requirements for marriage in Germany. Understanding the nuances of these words helps you participate in deeper discussions about society. You might also start to see the metaphorical use of the word in B1-level business German, such as 'die Verheiratung zweier Firmen' (the merger of two companies), although this is more common at B2. Your goal at B1 is to use 'verheiraten' to describe relationships between people and the social structures that govern them, moving beyond just your own personal status.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable with the metaphorical and stylistic uses of 'verheiraten'. You will encounter the word in high-level journalism, literature, and professional settings. In business, 'verheiraten' is a common metaphor for merging two systems, departments, or concepts. For instance, 'Wir müssen die Marketing-Strategie mit den Verkaufszahlen verheiraten' (We need to marry the marketing strategy with the sales figures). This implies a deep and necessary integration. You will also analyze the word in literary texts, where 'verheiraten' can imply a lack of agency or a strategic move by a character. You should be able to discuss the historical implications of 'Zwangsheirat' (forced marriage) and 'Arrangierte Ehen' using the verb 'verheiraten' correctly in the passive and active voices. Your grammar should be precise: knowing that 'sich verheiraten mit' requires the dative, while 'jemanden verheiraten' requires the accusative. You will also learn about related terms like 'die Vermählung' or 'der Ehebund'. At B2, you should also understand the subtle difference in register. Using 'sich verheiraten' in a formal speech or a wedding toast is appropriate, whereas 'heiraten' might sound too simple. You can also use the word to describe the combination of flavors in cooking or styles in art. 'Der Koch verheiratet asiatische Gewürze mit lokaler Küche.' This shows a high level of linguistic flexibility. You should also be aware of the legal nuances in Germany, such as the 'Ehefähigkeitszeugnis' and the process by which the state 'verheiratet' citizens. Your ability to use 'verheiraten' in these various contexts demonstrates that you understand not just the word, but the cultural and professional concepts behind it.

At the C1 level, you explore the deepest nuances and the most formal applications of 'verheiraten'. You will use the word in academic discussions about sociology, history, and law. You might analyze the 'Verheiratungspolitik' (marriage politics) of European dynasties, where 'verheiraten' was a tool of diplomacy. You should be able to use the word in the 'Konjunktiv II' to discuss hypothetical historical scenarios: 'Hätte der Kaiser seine Tochter nicht verheiratet, wäre der Krieg vielleicht ausgebrochen.' In legal German, you will encounter the word in the context of the 'Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch' (BGB), where the state's role in 'verheiraten' is defined. You should also be familiar with archaic or highly formal synonyms like 'ehelichen' or 'sich verehelichen' and know when to use them for stylistic effect. Metaphorically, you will use 'verheiraten' to describe complex syntheses in philosophy or science. 'Die Theorie verheiratet empirische Daten mit abstrakten Modellen.' At this level, you should also be sensitive to the connotations of the word. You might critique a text for using 'verheiraten' when 'heiraten' would be more appropriate, or vice versa, noting how the choice of word affects the power dynamics portrayed. You will also learn about the 'Verheiratungsrate' (marriage rate) in demographic studies. Your vocabulary will include specialized compounds like 'Wiederverheiratung' (remarriage). You should be able to write an essay on the evolution of marriage as a social institution, using 'verheiraten' to describe the shift from collective/familial agency to individual agency. Your mastery of the word includes understanding its role in idioms and its ability to elevate the register of a text from mundane to sophisticated.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'verheiraten' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You use the word with effortless precision in any context, from a legal brief to a poetic analysis. You understand the historical etymology of the word, tracing it back to the Old High German 'hīrat' (household/provision), and how the prefix 'ver-' has modified its meaning over a millennium. You can use 'verheiraten' in highly abstract, philosophical ways, perhaps discussing the 'Verheiratung von Geist und Materie' in a metaphysical treatise. You are aware of the most obscure regional variations and the finest shades of meaning in different German-speaking countries. In your own writing, you use 'verheiraten' to create specific stylistic effects—perhaps using the reflexive 'sich verheiraten' to evoke a sense of 19th-century realism, or the transitive 'verheiraten' to underscore a theme of social determinism. You can engage in complex debates about the ethics of 'Verheiratung' in different cultural contexts, using the language of international law and human rights. You also have a command of all related idiomatic expressions and can even play with the word in puns or creative writing. For you, 'verheiraten' is not just a verb; it is a versatile tool for expressing relationships, power, integration, and social structure. You can navigate the most formal 'Amtsdeutsch' (bureaucratic German) regarding marriage laws as easily as you can read a classic novel by Thomas Mann or Theodor Fontane, where 'verheiraten' often plays a key thematic role. Your understanding of the word is holistic, encompassing its grammatical, social, historical, and metaphorical dimensions.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

verheiraten in 30 Seconds

Verheiraten means to marry off or perform a wedding ceremony.
It is different from 'heiraten' because it implies an external agent or formal process.
It can be used reflexively (sich verheiraten) to mean 'to get married' formally.
Metaphorically, it describes merging two different things or ideas into one unit.

The German verb verheiraten is a fascinating linguistic artifact that encapsulates centuries of social history, legal evolution, and domestic dynamics. At its most fundamental level, it means 'to marry off' or 'to give in marriage.' Unlike the simpler verb heiraten, which focuses on the act of two people entering a union, verheiraten implies an external agent—usually a parent, a guardian, or a religious authority—who facilitates or orchestrates the marriage of another person. In modern German, its usage has bifurcated into two primary streams: the transitive use (marrying someone off) and the reflexive use (sich verheiraten), which is a slightly more formal or old-fashioned way of saying 'to get married.' Understanding the prefix ver- is crucial here; in this context, it suggests a process of completion or a change of state brought about by an action.

Grammatical Transitivity: The verb requires an object. You do not just 'verheiraten'; you 'verheiraten' a daughter, a son, or yourself.
Social Context: Historically, this word was the standard for arranged marriages. Today, it is often used when discussing historical novels, royal families, or cultures where family involvement in marriage remains high.
The Reflexive Shift: When someone says 'Ich habe mich verheiratet,' they are placing a slight emphasis on the formality of the event compared to the more casual 'Ich habe geheiratet.'

Der König versuchte, seine älteste Tochter vorteilhaft zu verheiraten, um den Frieden zwischen den beiden Ländern zu sichern.

In contemporary literature, you might encounter this word when an author wants to convey a sense of destiny or external pressure. If a protagonist feels 'verheiratet' (in a passive sense), it implies they were pushed into the union. However, in everyday speech, if a mother says she wants to 'ihre Kinder verheiraten,' she might just be expressing a wish to see them settled down and happy. The word carries a weight of responsibility; the subject of the verb is the one taking charge of the matrimonial arrangement. This nuance is vital for English speakers who might simply default to 'marry,' missing the 'off' or 'facilitated' aspect that 'verheiraten' provides. Furthermore, in legal or formal German, a priest or a registrar might 'zwei Menschen verheiraten' (marry two people), acting as the official who performs the ceremony. This specific professional usage is common in official documentation. Historically, the word also appears in the context of 'Morgenreale' and dowry discussions, where the act of 'verheiraten' was as much a financial transaction as a romantic one. By using this word, you evoke a sense of tradition and structured social order that 'heiraten' lacks. It is a word of agency, whether that agency belongs to the parents, the state, or the individuals themselves in a reflexive sense. To master this word is to understand the difference between the personal act of love and the social act of union.

In vielen alten Märchen muss der Vater seine drei Söhne verheiraten, bevor er sein Erbe verteilen kann.

Formal Usage: Used by officials (Standesbeamte) or clergy members.

Using verheiraten correctly requires a keen eye for syntax and the relationship between the subjects and objects in the sentence. There are three primary patterns you will encounter. First, the transitive pattern: A verheiratet B (mit C). Here, A is the person arranging the marriage, B is the person being married off, and C is the spouse. This is the classic 'marry off' usage. For example, 'Die Gräfin verheiratete ihre Nichte mit einem reichen Kaufmann.' This sentence structure is common in historical contexts but can also be used figuratively in business to describe merging companies. Second, the official pattern: Der Beamte verheiratet das Paar. In this case, the official is the subject, and the couple is the object. It translates to 'The official marries the couple.' Third, the reflexive pattern: A verheiratet sich (mit B). This is synonymous with 'A heiratet B,' but carries a more formal tone. It suggests a deliberate, often strategic, entry into marriage.

Transitive Structure: Subject (Arranger) + Verb + Accusative Object (Person being married) + mit + Dative Object (Spouse).
Reflexive Structure: Subject + Reflexive Pronoun (sich) + Verb + mit + Dative Object.

Es war damals üblich, Töchter schon in jungem Alter zu verheiraten, um politische Allianzen zu schmieden.

When using the past participle verheiratet, learners often struggle with the distinction between the action and the state. 'Sie sind verheiratet' (They are married) is a state using the adjective derived from the verb. However, 'Sie wurden verheiratet' (They were married off) is a passive construction of the verb, implying they had little choice in the matter. This subtle shift from 'sein' to 'werden' changes the entire meaning of the sentence. In modern German, you might also see verheiraten used in a metaphorical sense. For instance, a designer might 'zwei verschiedene Stile miteinander verheiraten' (marry two different styles together). This usage is increasingly common in creative and technical fields to describe the seamless integration of disparate elements. In the imperative, you might hear a frustrated parent joke: 'Ich verheirate dich noch mit dem erstbesten Passanten!' (I'll marry you off to the first passerby!). This highlights the inherent power dynamic in the word. Another common mistake is using 'mit' with the simple 'heiraten'—it's 'Ich heirate dich' (Accusative), but 'Ich verheirate mich MIT dir' (Dative). This distinction is a hallmark of advanced German proficiency.

Der Standesbeamte verheiratete das Paar in einer kurzen, aber feierlichen Zeremonie im Rathaus.

Metaphorical Use: 'Die Architektur verheiratet moderne Glasfronten mit klassischem Sandstein.'

While you might not hear verheiraten in every casual conversation at a Döner stand, it occupies a specific and significant space in German media and formal discourse. One of the most common places to encounter it is in historical dramas and literature. Germany has a rich tradition of 'Heimatfilme' and period pieces where the 'Verheiratung' of a protagonist against their will is a central plot device. In these contexts, the word carries a heavy emotional and social weight. You will also hear it in news reports concerning legal changes to marriage laws. For example, when Germany introduced 'Ehe für alle' (Marriage for all), journalists discussed how the state now verheiratet same-sex couples with the same legal standing as heterosexual ones.

Legal and Official Settings: In the 'Standesamt' (registry office), the official might use the term to describe their professional duty. 'Es ist meine Aufgabe, Sie heute zu verheiraten.'
Literature and Fairy Tales: Grimm's Fairy Tales are replete with kings who 'ihre Töchter verheiraten' as rewards for brave knights.

In dem Dokumentarfilm geht es darum, wie Familien in ländlichen Regionen versuchten, ihre Kinder vorteilhaft zu verheiraten.

Another modern context is the world of business and technology. In German tech journals, you might read about 'die Verheiratung von Hardware und Software.' This metaphorical use suggests a deep, inseparable integration that goes beyond a simple connection. It implies a synergy where the two parts become a single, functioning unit. This shows the word's versatility—from the rigid social structures of the 19th century to the cutting-edge developments of the 21st. Furthermore, in discussions about sociology and integration, you might hear about 'Interkulturelle Verheiratung,' referring to the marriage of individuals from different cultural backgrounds. Here, the word is used more as a technical term for the formation of a union. In daily life, elderly relatives might use the reflexive form 'sich verheiraten' when reminiscing about their youth: 'Damals haben wir uns sehr jung verheiratet.' This adds a layer of nostalgia and formality to their speech. In contrast, younger Germans would almost exclusively use 'heiraten' or 'verheiratet sein.' Therefore, using verheiraten can also be a way to signal a specific register or to adopt a more narrative, storytelling tone.

Das Unternehmen plant, die beiden Abteilungen miteinander zu verheiraten, um Kosten zu sparen.

News and Media: Often used in headlines regarding celebrity weddings or royal nuptials: 'Der Prinz wird heute verheiratet.'

The most frequent error English speakers make with verheiraten is confusing it with the simple verb heiraten. While English often uses 'marry' for both 'getting married' and 'marrying someone off,' German makes a sharp distinction. If you say 'Ich verheirate dich,' you are telling the person that YOU are arranging their marriage to someone else, which might lead to a very confused or angry reaction! If you want to say 'I am marrying you,' you must say 'Ich heirate dich.' Another common pitfall is the use of prepositions. Heiraten takes a direct accusative object: 'Er heiratet sie.' However, verheiraten, when used reflexively or transitively with a partner, requires 'mit' + dative: 'Er verheiratet sich mit ihr' or 'Sie verheiratet ihre Tochter mit ihm.'

Mistake 1: Wrong Verb for 'I'm getting married': Incorrect: 'Ich verheirate morgen.' (This sounds like you are marrying someone else off tomorrow). Correct: 'Ich heirate morgen' or 'Ich verheirate MICH morgen.'
Mistake 2: Preposition Confusion: Incorrect: 'Er heiratet mit ihr.' Correct: 'Er heiratet sie.' Incorrect: 'Er verheiratet sie.' (Meaning he married her off). Correct: 'Er verheiratet sich mit ihr.'

Vorsicht! Sagen Sie nicht 'Ich will dich verheiraten', wenn Sie eigentlich einen Heiratsantrag machen wollen.

Furthermore, learners often confuse the passive 'verheiratet werden' with the state 'verheiratet sein.' 'Sie sind verheiratet' means they are currently a married couple. 'Sie werden verheiratet' means the ceremony is happening right now, or they are being forced/arranged into a marriage. The choice of auxiliary verb (sein vs. werden) is critical. In writing, ensure you don't overcapitalize 'verheiratet' when it's functioning as a verb or adjective; only the noun 'die Verheiratung' should be capitalized. Finally, avoid using verheiraten in very casual settings where 'heiraten' is more natural. Using 'sich verheiraten' at a party might make you sound like a 19th-century aristocrat—which might be funny, but isn't always the goal!

Word Order in Subordinate Clauses: Remember that in a 'dass' clause, the verb goes to the end: 'Ich weiß, dass er seine Tochter verheiraten will.'

Ein häufiger Fehler ist die falsche Verwendung von 'sein' und 'haben' im Perfekt. Es heißt immer: 'Er hat verheiratet' (transitiv) oder 'Er hat sich verheiratet' (reflexiv).

To truly enrich your German vocabulary, you should know the alternatives to verheiraten and how they differ in nuance. The most obvious alternative is heiraten, which is the neutral, everyday word for the act of getting married. If you want to sound more formal or poetic, you might use sich vermählen. This word is often found in wedding invitations or high literature and carries a romantic, slightly antiquated air. For the legal act of performing a marriage, the specific verb is trauen. A priest 'traut' a couple. This word focuses on the ceremony and the legal/spiritual blessing.

heiraten: Focus: The couple's action. Usage: Everyday speech. 'Wir heiraten im Juni.'
sich vermählen: Focus: The union. Usage: Formal, poetic. 'Das Paar vermählte sich in der Schlosskapelle.'
trauen: Focus: The official's action. Usage: Legal, religious. 'Der Pfarrer traut das Paar.'

Anstatt zu sagen 'Er hat seine Tochter verheiratet', könnte man auch sagen 'Er hat seine Tochter unter die Haube gebracht' (idiomatisch).

Another interesting alternative is the idiom unter die Haube bringen. This literally means 'to bring under the hood' (referring to the traditional head covering of married women) and is a colloquial, sometimes slightly derogatory or humorous way to say 'to marry off.' If you are talking about the state of being married, you use the adjective verheiratet. For the act of living together without being married, you might use sich verpartnern, which was the term used for civil unions before full marriage equality. In a metaphorical sense, when combining things, you could use verschmelzen (to melt together) or kombinieren (to combine), but verheiraten remains the strongest way to describe a permanent, synergistic union.

ehelichen: An extremely formal, almost archaic verb meaning 'to take as a spouse'.

Die Verheiratung von Tradition und Moderne ist das Hauptziel dieses Bauprojekts.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root 'Heirat' originally referred to the 'provision' or 'household gear' (Hausrat) a woman brought into a marriage.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /fɛɐ̯ˈhaɪ̯ʁaːtn̩/

US /fɛrˈhaɪˌrɑtən/

Second syllable: ver-HEI-ra-ten

Rhymes With

beraten Taten Staaten raten Garten (slant) Zutaten Automaten Soldaten

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'v' as 'v' instead of 'f'.
Stressing the first syllable.
Mispronouncing the 'ei' as 'ee'.
Swallowing the 't' at the end too much.
Confusing the 'ai' sound with 'ay'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize, but nuances in literature require attention.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct use of reflexive pronouns and prepositions.

Speaking 4/5

Choosing between 'heiraten' and 'verheiraten' is tricky for learners.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation, but prefix 'ver-' must be caught.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

heiraten die Ehe die Frau der Mann mit

Learn Next

die Trauung geschieden verlobt das Standesamt die Schwiegereltern

Advanced

ehelichen die Vermählung die Ehegatten das Ehegelübde die Gütertrennung

Grammar to Know

Reflexive verbs with 'sich'

Ich verheirate mich.

Dative after 'mit'

Er verheiratet sich mit ihr.

Passive Voice with 'werden'

Sie wird verheiratet.

Transitive verbs with Accusative

Er verheiratet seine Tochter.

Adjectives from past participles

Sie ist verheiratet.

Examples by Level

Ich bin verheiratet.

I am married.

Adjective use of 'verheiratet'.

Bist du verheiratet?

Are you married?

Question form with 'sein'.

Meine Eltern sind verheiratet.

My parents are married.

Plural subject with 'sein'.

Er ist nicht verheiratet.

He is not married.

Negation with 'nicht'.

Sind Sie verheiratet?

Are you (formal) married?

Formal 'Sie' form.

Wir sind glücklich verheiratet.

We are happily married.

Adverb 'glücklich' modifying the state.

Sie ist seit zwei Jahren verheiratet.

She has been married for two years.

Use of 'seit' for duration.

Mein Bruder ist verheiratet.

My brother is married.

Simple subject-verb-adjective.

Der Standesbeamte verheiratet das Paar.

The registrar marries the couple.

Transitive use: Agent performing the act.

Sie haben sich letztes Jahr verheiratet.

They got married last year.

Reflexive use: 'sich verheiraten'.

Wann verheiratet ihr euch?

When are you (plural) getting married?

Reflexive question in the present tense.

Er verheiratete seine Tochter mit einem Arzt.

He married off his daughter to a doctor.

Präteritum (simple past) transitive.

Sie möchte sich bald verheiraten.

She wants to get married soon.

Modal verb with reflexive infinitive.

Das Paar wurde in der Kirche verheiratet.

The couple was married in the church.

Passive voice: 'wurde verheiratet'.

Ich will mich nicht verheiraten.

I don't want to get married.

Negated modal with reflexive.

Wer hat euch verheiratet?

Who married you?

Perfect tense asking for the agent.

Früher verheirateten Eltern ihre Kinder oft sehr früh.

In the past, parents often married off their children very early.

Focus on historical social practices.

Es ist wichtig, jemanden aus Liebe zu verheiraten.

It is important to marry someone off (or get married) for love.

Infinitive with 'zu'.

Sie haben sich ohne das Wissen ihrer Eltern verheiratet.

They got married without their parents' knowledge.

Reflexive use with a prepositional phrase.

Der König verheiratete seinen Sohn, um Frieden zu schließen.

The king married off his son to make peace.

Transitive use for political reasons.

In diesem Land werden viele Paare noch traditionell verheiratet.

In this country, many couples are still married traditionally.

Passive voice in the present tense.

Kann man sich in Deutschland online verheiraten?

Can you get married online in Germany?

Reflexive use with an adverb of place.

Er hat sich erst mit vierzig Jahren verheiratet.

He only got married at the age of forty.

Perfect tense with reflexive.

Die Verheiratung der Prinzessin war ein großes Ereignis.

The marriage of the princess was a major event.

Noun form 'Verheiratung'.

Wir müssen das Design mit der Funktionalität verheiraten.

We must marry the design with the functionality.

Metaphorical use in a professional context.

Die beiden Firmen wurden nach langen Verhandlungen verheiratet.

The two companies were married (merged) after long negotiations.

Passive metaphorical use (merger).

Sie verheiratete ihre Leidenschaft für Musik mit ihrem Beruf.

She married her passion for music with her profession.

Metaphorical transitive use.

Es ist schwierig, diese zwei gegensätzlichen Ideen zu verheiraten.

It is difficult to marry these two opposing ideas.

Metaphorical infinitive construction.

Der Autor verheiratet in seinem Buch Realität und Fiktion.

The author marries reality and fiction in his book.

Transitive use in literary criticism.

Sie hat sich vorteilhaft verheiratet, um ihren Status zu sichern.

She married advantageously to secure her status.

Reflexive use with an adverb of manner.

Die Verheiratung von Theorie und Praxis ist das Ziel des Kurses.

The marriage of theory and practice is the goal of the course.

Noun form in a metaphorical context.

Warum lässt du dich nicht endlich verheiraten?

Why don't you finally let yourself be married off?

Reflexive with 'lassen' (causative/passive).

Die Dynastie verheiratete ihre Mitglieder strategisch über ganz Europa.

The dynasty strategically married off its members across all of Europe.

Historical/Political transitive use.

Es gilt, die ökologischen Ziele mit den ökonomischen zu verheiraten.

It is necessary to marry ecological goals with economic ones.

Formal 'Es gilt...' construction.

In seinem Spätwerk verheiratet der Komponist Jazz mit Klassik.

In his late work, the composer marries jazz with classical music.

Sophisticated artistic description.

Die Verheiratungspolitik der Habsburger war legendär.

The marriage policy of the Habsburgs was legendary.

Compound noun 'Verheiratungspolitik'.

Sie verheiratete sich in den Adel, was ihr viele Türen öffnete.

She married into the nobility, which opened many doors for her.

Reflexive with 'in' + Accusative.

Man kann die Freiheit nicht mit der totalen Kontrolle verheiraten.

One cannot marry freedom with total control.

Philosophical transitive use.

Das Gesetz verheiratet Paare nun unabhängig von ihrem Geschlecht.

The law now marries couples regardless of their gender.

Legal/Social transitive use.

Er verheiratete sein Schicksal untrennbar mit dem der Firma.

He married his fate inseparably with that of the company.

Abstract metaphorical use.

Die Architektur dieses Gebäudes verheiratet brutalistische Elemente mit barocker Opulenz.

The architecture of this building marries brutalist elements with baroque opulence.

High-level aesthetic analysis.

In der Alchemie wurde oft die Verheiratung von Sonne und Mond symbolisiert.

In alchemy, the marriage of the sun and the moon was often symbolized.

Historical/Symbolic noun use.

Sich zu verheiraten bedeutete für eine Frau im 18. Jahrhundert oft den Verlust der rechtlichen Eigenständigkeit.

To get married meant for a woman in the 18th century often the loss of legal independence.

Infinitive as subject in a historical context.

Die Regie verheiratet die kühle Ästhetik des Films mit einer hochemotionalen Filmmusik.

The direction marries the cool aesthetics of the film with highly emotional film music.

C2-level media analysis.

Man darf nicht den Fehler machen, Kausalität mit Korrelation zu verheiraten.

One must not make the mistake of marrying causality with correlation.

Scientific/Epistemological metaphor.

Er verheiratete seine politische Überzeugung mit einem pragmatischen Führungsstil.

He married his political conviction with a pragmatic leadership style.

Abstract character description.

Die Verheiratung von Quantenmechanik und Relativitätstheorie bleibt die größte Herausforderung der Physik.

The marriage of quantum mechanics and general relativity remains the greatest challenge in physics.

Scientific metaphor using the noun form.

Sie verheiratete sich spät, doch mit einer Entschlossenheit, die alle überraschte.

She married late, but with a determination that surprised everyone.

Reflexive use with complex adverbial phrases.

Common Collocations

vorteilhaft verheiraten

reich verheiraten

standesgemäß verheiraten

miteinander verheiraten

sich jung verheiraten

zwangsweise verheiraten

kirchlich verheiraten

standesamtlich verheiraten

neu verheiraten

geschickt verheiraten

Common Phrases

jemanden verheiraten wollen

— To intend to find a spouse for someone.

Meine Tante will mich unbedingt verheiraten.

sich wieder verheiraten

— To get married again (remarry).

Sie hat sich letztes Jahr wieder verheiratet.

unter Zwang verheiraten

— To marry someone off against their will.

Sie wurde unter Zwang verheiratet.

vorteilhaft verheiratet sein

— To be married to someone of high status or wealth.

Sie ist sehr vorteilhaft verheiratet.

miteinander verheiratet sein

— To be married to each other.

Sind die beiden miteinander verheiratet?

sich reich verheiraten

— To marry into wealth.

Er hofft, sich reich zu verheiraten.

jemanden mit Gewalt verheiraten

— To use force to marry someone off.

Niemand darf mit Gewalt verheiratet werden.

offiziell verheiratet

— Legally married.

Sie sind jetzt offiziell verheiratet.

heimlich verheiraten

— To marry off or get married in secret.

Sie haben sich heimlich verheiratet.

glücklich verheiratet

— Happily married.

Wir sind seit zehn Jahren glücklich verheiratet.

Often Confused With

verheiraten vs heiraten

Heiraten is the general act; verheiraten is the arranged or official act.

verheiraten vs verheiratet sein

A state, not an action.

verheiraten vs vertrauen

Sounds similar but means 'to trust'.

Idioms & Expressions

"unter die Haube kommen"

— To get married (literally: to come under the hood/cap).

Wann kommt deine Schwester endlich unter die Haube?

informal

"jemanden unter die Haube bringen"

— To find a husband/wife for someone.

Die Mutter versuchte, alle Töchter unter die Haube zu bringen.

informal

"den Bund fürs Leben schließen"

— To close the bond for life (to get married).

Sie haben den Bund fürs Leben geschlossen.

formal

"in den Hafen der Ehe einlaufen"

— To enter the harbor of marriage.

Nach vielen Jahren sind sie in den Hafen der Ehe eingelaufen.

humorous/formal

"sich trauen lassen"

— To have oneself married (to go through the ceremony).

Sie lassen sich morgen trauen.

neutral

"Ja-Wort geben"

— To say 'I do' (the 'Yes-word').

Sie haben sich das Ja-Wort gegeben.

neutral

"vor den Altar treten"

— To step before the altar (to get married in a church).

Sie sind gemeinsam vor den Altar getreten.

religious

"unter die Haube geschlüpft"

— Slipped under the hood (got married quickly/secretly).

Sie ist klammheimlich unter die Haube geschlüpft.

informal

"einen guten Fang machen"

— To make a good catch (to marry someone wealthy or successful).

Mit ihm hat sie einen guten Fang gemacht.

informal

"sich ewig binden"

— To bind oneself eternally.

Willst du dich wirklich schon ewig binden?

poetic/formal

Easily Confused

verheiraten vs heiraten

They both mean 'to marry'.

Heiraten is what the couple does. Verheiraten is what an official or parent does, or a formal way to say 'get married'.

Wir heiraten. vs. Der Pfarrer verheiratet uns.

verheiraten vs verheiratet

It looks like the past tense of the verb.

It is often used as an adjective to describe status.

Ich bin verheiratet.

verheiraten vs trauen

Both involve the wedding ceremony.

Trauen is specifically the act performed by the priest/registrar.

Der Priester traut das Paar.

verheiraten vs vermitteln

Both can involve matchmaking.

Vermitteln is to mediate or arrange; verheiraten is the actual act of marrying off.

Er vermittelte die Ehe.

verheiraten vs verloben

Both are steps toward marriage.

Verloben is to get engaged; verheiraten is the final act.

Sie haben sich verlobt.

Sentence Patterns

Ich bin [adjective].

Ich bin verheiratet.

Wir haben uns [adverb] verheiratet.

Wir haben uns letztes Jahr verheiratet.

Jemand verheiratet jemanden mit jemandem.

Der Vater verheiratet seine Tochter mit dem Prinzen.

Etwas mit etwas verheiraten (metaphorisch).

Wir verheiraten Design mit Technik.

Die Verheiratung von [Genitiv]...

Die Verheiratung der beiden Konzernteile...

Sich in [Akkusativ] verheiraten.

Sie verheiratete sich in eine einflussreiche Familie.

Wann werdet ihr verheiratet?

Wann werdet ihr vom Standesbeamten verheiratet?

Er wollte sich nicht verheiraten lassen.

Er wollte sich nicht von seinen Eltern verheiraten lassen.

Word Family

Nouns

die Verheiratung

die Heirat

das Ehepaar

die Ehe

Verbs

heiraten

verheiraten

trauen

ehelichen

verehlichen

Adjectives

verheiratet

unverheiratet

heiratsfähig

ehelich

die Hochzeit

der Bräutigam

die Braut

der Standesbeamte

die Trauung

How to Use It

frequency

Common as an adjective (verheiratet), medium as a verb.

Common Mistakes

Ich verheirate dich. → Ich heirate dich.
The first one means you are marrying the person off to someone else.
Er heiratet mit ihr. → Er heiratet sie.
The verb 'heiraten' takes a direct accusative object without 'mit'.
Ich habe mich verheiratet mit ihn. → Ich habe mich mit ihm verheiratet.
'Mit' requires the dative case ('ihm', not 'ihn').
Sie sind verheiratet worden. → Sie sind verheiratet.
The first one implies a passive action (they were married off); the second is the state of being married.
Die Verheiratung von der Firma. → Die Verheiratung der Firma.
Use the genitive case for formal nouns instead of 'von'.

Tips

Agent vs. Subject

Always identify who is doing the marrying. If it's a third party, use 'verheiraten'. If it's the couple, use 'heiraten'.

Formal Contexts

Use 'sich verheiraten' in formal writing or when you want to sound more sophisticated.

Creative Usage

Don't be afraid to use 'verheiraten' for combining concepts, like 'Tradition und Moderne verheiraten'.

The 'V' Sound

Remember: German 'V' is almost always 'F'. Say 'fer-hai-ra-ten'.

Legal Nuance

In Germany, only the state 'verheiratet' you legally. Keep this in mind when talking about weddings.

Ver- = Change

The prefix 'ver-' usually means a change of state. You are changing from single to married.

Passive Voice

'Wurde verheiratet' is great for historical or critical writing about social pressures.

Status Check

When someone asks 'Bist du verheiratet?', they are asking for your status, not your action.

Mit + Dative

Always use 'mit' when specifying the partner with 'verheiraten'.

Avoid Slang

'Verheiraten' isn't slang. For slangy marriage talk, use idioms like 'unter die Haube kommen'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'VER-y' (ver-) high 'HEIGHTS' (heirat). You are lifting someone to the 'height' of marriage.

Visual Association

Imagine a father (the agent) handing a wedding ring (the marriage) to his daughter (the object).

Word Web

Heirat Ehe Hochzeit Trauung verheiratet ledig geschieden Standesamt

Challenge

Try to use 'verheiraten' in three different ways: transitively (parents), reflexively (yourself), and metaphorically (business/art).

Word Origin

From the Middle High German 'verheiraten', which is an intensification of 'heiraten'.

Original meaning: To provide a household or to take into a household.

Germanic (Indo-European).

Cultural Context

Be careful using 'verheiraten' when talking about modern arranged marriages, as it can imply a lack of consent if not used carefully.

In English, 'marry' is used for everything. In German, 'verheiraten' is more specific about the 'who' and 'how'.

Grimm's Fairy Tales (many stories involve 'verheiraten') The Habsburg motto: 'Bella gerant alii, tu felix Austria nube' (Let others wage war, thou, happy Austria, marry) German Civil Code (BGB) sections on marriage

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Family History

Meine Urgroßeltern haben sich jung verheiratet.
Sie wurde mit einem Cousin verheiratet.
Die Familie wollte sie vorteilhaft verheiraten.
Er hat sich nie verheiratet.

Legal/Official

Wann wurden Sie verheiratet?
Der Beamte verheiratet uns morgen.
Sie sind offiziell verheiratet.
Die Verheiratung ist rechtsgültig.

Business/Tech

Wir verheiraten die beiden Systeme.
Eine Verheiratung der Abteilungen ist geplant.
Das Produkt verheiratet Stil und Technik.
Die Firmen wurden verheiratet.

Literature/Stories

Der König verheiratete seine Töchter.
Sie verheiratete sich in ein reiches Haus.
Es war eine strategische Verheiratung.
Gegen seinen Willen verheiratet.

Social Trends

Immer weniger Menschen verheiraten sich.
Die Verheiratungsrate sinkt.
Man verheiratet sich heute später.
Interkulturelle Verheiratung.

Conversation Starters

"Wann haben sich deine Eltern eigentlich verheiratet?"

"Findest du es gut, wenn Eltern ihre Kinder verheiraten?"

"Würdest du dich heute noch einmal verheiraten?"

"Wie verheiratet man am besten Beruf und Privatleben?"

"Glaubst du, dass man sich aus strategischen Gründen verheiraten sollte?"

Journal Prompts

Schreibe über eine historische Person, die strategisch verheiratet wurde.

Was bedeutet es für dich, 'verheiratet' zu sein? Ist es nur ein Papier?

Beschreibe eine Situation, in der du zwei verschiedene Hobbys miteinander verheiratet hast.

Diskutiere die Vor- und Nachteile davon, sich sehr jung zu verheiraten.

Stelle dir vor, du bist ein Standesbeamter. Wen würdest du gerne verheiraten?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

As an adjective ('verheiratet'), yes, it is very common. As a verb, it is less common than 'heiraten' in daily speech but very frequent in formal, legal, or metaphorical contexts.

No, that would mean you are marrying them off to someone else! Use 'Ich heirate dich' or 'Wir heiraten'.

'Heiraten' is the standard way to say 'to get married'. 'Sich verheiraten' is more formal and sounds a bit more old-fashioned or deliberate.

You can use it to describe merging two things: 'Wir verheiraten die Daten mit der Analyse'.

Not necessarily, but it often implies an external agent, like a parent or an official. In the reflexive form 'sich verheiraten', it is a choice.

It is a regular verb: 'verheiratete' (past) and 'hat verheiratet' (perfect).

It can be both. In 'Ich bin verheiratet', it's an adjective. In 'Er hat sie verheiratet', it's the past participle of the verb.

Yes, absolutely. The word is neutral regarding gender.

Yes, 'die Verheiratung' is the act of marrying someone off or the process of getting married.

Use 'mit' + Dative: 'Er verheiratet sich mit ihr'.