zeugen em 30 segundos
- Zeugen is a formal verb for procreating or fathering offspring.
- It is regular: zeugen, zeugte, hat gezeugt.
- Commonly used in biology, history, and legal contexts.
- Metaphorically, 'zeugen von' means to testify to or be evidence of something.
The German verb zeugen is a specific and formal term primarily used to describe the biological act of procreation, specifically from the male perspective (to father or beget) or as a general term for the creation of offspring. While in everyday modern German, people might simply say 'ein Kind bekommen' (to have a child) or 'schwanger werden' (to become pregnant), zeugen carries a more clinical, biological, or sometimes elevated literary weight. It focuses on the moment of conception and the biological transmission of life. Understanding this word is crucial for B1 learners because it appears frequently in biological contexts, historical discussions about dynasties, and formal legal or medical documentation regarding paternity.
- Biological Context
- In biology, 'zeugen' refers to the reproductive process. It is often used in the phrase 'Nachkommen zeugen' (to procreate offspring). It is the technical term for the contribution of the father in the reproductive cycle.
- Legal and Formal Use
- In legal matters involving paternity tests or inheritance rights, 'zeugen' is used to define biological fatherhood. A 'gezeugtes Kind' is a child that has been biologically fathered by a specific individual.
Der König wollte unbedingt einen männlichen Erben zeugen.
Historically, the word has deep roots in Middle High German. It implies a sense of 'bringing forth' or 'producing.' When you read German literature from the 18th or 19th century, you will find 'zeugen' used frequently in the context of lineage and family trees. In modern conversation, it is less common than 'ein Kind kriegen,' but it remains the standard term in any discussion involving genetics or reproduction technology. For example, 'künstlich gezeugt' refers to being conceived through artificial means.
Wissenschaftler untersuchen, wie Lebewesen unter extremen Bedingungen Nachkommen zeugen.
- Register and Nuance
- 'Zeugen' is clinical and objective. It lacks the emotional warmth of 'ein Kind zur Welt bringen' (to bring a child into the world). It is about the act of creation itself, often stripped of the social aspects of parenting.
Using zeugen correctly requires understanding its transitive nature. You 'zeugen' something—usually a 'Kind' (child) or 'Nachkommen' (offspring). It is almost exclusively used in the context of biological reproduction. In a sentence, the subject is typically the father or the parents as a unit. For instance, 'Er hat drei Kinder gezeugt' (He fathered three children). Here, the focus is strictly on the biological contribution.
In vielen Mythen zeugen Götter Kinder mit sterblichen Frauen.
Another common structure is the passive voice, particularly when discussing the origins of a person. 'Er wurde in Berlin gezeugt' (He was conceived in Berlin). This shifts the focus from the father to the child and the circumstances of their beginning. Note that 'zeugen' refers to the act of conception, not the act of giving birth (which is 'gebären'). A woman 'gebärt' (bears/gives birth), while a man 'zeugt' (fathers/begets).
- Common Phrasings
- 'Ein Kind zeugen' (To father a child)
'Nachwuchs zeugen' (To produce offspring)
'Künstlich gezeugt' (Artificially conceived)
Das Paar hatte Schwierigkeiten, auf natürlichem Wege ein Kind zu zeugen.
When discussing animals, 'zeugen' is also appropriate, though 'sich fortpflanzen' (to reproduce) is more common for the general species behavior. 'Zeugen' focuses on the individual act. For example, 'Der Zuchthengst hat viele preisgekrönte Fohlen gezeugt' (The breeding stallion has fathered many award-winning foals). This usage highlights the genetic lineage and the specific role of the male animal.
While you might not hear zeugen at a Sunday brunch with friends, it is a staple in specific environments. One of the most common places is in documentaries about nature or history. When a narrator discusses the lineage of a historical figure like Charlemagne or the reproductive habits of sea turtles, 'zeugen' is the go-to verb. It provides a level of scientific or historical distance that 'haben' or 'kriegen' lacks.
- In the Doctor's Office
- In fertility clinics (Kinderwunschzentren), doctors use 'zeugen' to discuss conception. They might talk about 'Zeugungsfähigkeit' (fertility/ability to procreate) or 'Zeugungsprobleme' (fertility issues). Here, the word is treated as a medical term.
- In Literature and Film
- Period dramas and fantasy novels (like 'Game of Thrones' translations) use 'zeugen' frequently. Characters talk about 'einen Bastard zeugen' (fathering a bastard) or 'einen Erben zeugen' (fathering an heir). It fits the archaic, formal tone of such settings.
Der Arzt erklärte die verschiedenen Methoden, um ein Kind künstlich zu zeugen.
You will also encounter the word in news reports regarding legal disputes over paternity. If a celebrity is accused of fathering a child out of wedlock, the headline might read: 'Hat er wirklich ein Kind mit ihr gezeugt?' (Did he really father a child with her?). In this context, it is used to denote the biological fact of fatherhood, which carries legal implications for child support and inheritance.
Finally, the word appears in religious texts, specifically the Bible. The genealogies in the Old Testament, where one person 'begat' another, are translated into German using 'zeugte.' For example, 'Abraham zeugte Isaak' (Abraham begat Isaac). This gives the word a deeply traditional and foundational feel in the German language.
The most frequent mistake English speakers make with zeugen is confusing it with other verbs that look or sound similar. The primary culprit is zeigen (to show). Because the vowels 'eu' and 'ei' can be tricky for learners, 'Ich zeuge dir das Bild' (I procreate the picture for you) is a common—and very funny—error instead of 'Ich zeige dir das Bild' (I show you the picture).
- Confusing 'zeugen' with 'bezeugen'
- While 'zeugen' means to procreate, 'bezeugen' means to testify or witness something. 'Er hat die Tat bezeugt' means he witnessed the crime. 'Er hat die Tat gezeugt' would mean he fathered the crime, which makes no sense.
- Confusing 'zeugen' with 'überzeugen'
- 'Überzeugen' means to convince. Do not accidentally say 'Ich möchte dich zeugen' when you mean 'Ich möchte dich überzeugen' (I want to convince you). The first one is a very inappropriate proposition!
Falsch: Ich zeugte ihm den Weg. (I procreated him the way.)
Richtig: Ich zeigte ihm den Weg. (I showed him the way.)
Another mistake is using 'zeugen' for the female act of giving birth. A woman does not 'zeugen' a child; she 'gebärt' (bears) it or 'bringt es zur Welt' (brings it to the world). 'Zeugen' is strictly the act of conception, usually attributed to the father or the biological process of both parents together. Using it to describe the nine months of pregnancy or the labor process is incorrect.
Lastly, be careful with the phrase 'zeugen von.' When followed by the preposition 'von,' the verb changes meaning to 'to testify to' or 'to be evidence of.' For example, 'Sein Erfolg zeugt von hartem Training' (His success testifies to hard training). This is a very common B2/C1 usage. If you omit the 'von,' you are back to biological procreation, which would change the sentence to 'His success procreates hard training'—again, nonsense.
Depending on the context, you might want to use a word that is more casual, more scientific, or more focused on the mother's role. German has several alternatives to zeugen that are worth knowing to sound more natural in different situations.
- Fortpflanzen (sich)
- Meaning 'to reproduce.' This is the standard biological term for species. It is reflexive. Example: 'Tiere pflanzen sich fort, um ihre Art zu erhalten' (Animals reproduce to maintain their species).
- Empfangen
- Meaning 'to conceive.' This is the female counterpart to 'zeugen.' While the man 'zeugt,' the woman 'empfängt' (receives/conceives). It is often used in religious or formal contexts (e.g., 'Maria empfing ein Kind').
- Bekommen / Kriegen
- Meaning 'to get/have a child.' This is the most common way to talk about having kids in daily life. 'Wir bekommen ein Baby' is what you say to friends, not 'Wir zeugen ein Baby.'
Vergleich:
Biologisch: Er zeugte einen Sohn.
Alltäglich: Er hat einen Sohn bekommen.
If you are looking for a more abstract or metaphorical word, you might use 'hervorbringen' (to bring forth/produce). This can be used for ideas or works of art, whereas 'zeugen' is strictly biological. For example, 'Die Renaissance brachte viele Genies hervor' (The Renaissance brought forth many geniuses). Using 'zeugen' here would be incorrect unless you were talking about the biological fathering of those geniuses.
Finally, there is the verb 'prokreieren,' which is a direct loanword from Latin. It is very high-register and mostly used in academic or sociological texts. In 99% of cases, 'zeugen' is the better choice for a formal context.
How Formal Is It?
Curiosidade
The word 'Werkzeug' (tool) literally means 'work-thing' or 'procreation of work,' coming from the same root as 'zeugen.'
Guia de pronúncia
- Pronouncing 'eu' as 'oo' or 'u'.
- Confusing the 'z' with a soft English 'z' (it should be 'ts').
- Confusing with 'zeigen' (tsye-gen).
- Swallowing the 'g' too much.
- Pronouncing it like 'Säugen' (to suckle/breastfeed).
Nível de dificuldade
Common in literature and news, but easy to recognize.
Requires correct conjugation and understanding of register.
Pronunciation is tricky due to the 'eu' sound.
Easy to confuse with 'zeigen' or 'säugen'.
O que aprender depois
Pré-requisitos
Aprenda a seguir
Avançado
Gramática essencial
Weak Verbs (Regelmäßige Verben)
zeugen -> zeugte -> gezeugt
Transitive Verbs (Akkusativ-Objekt)
Er zeugte *ein Kind* (Akkusativ).
Prepositional Objects (von + Dativ)
Das zeugt *von* seinem *Mut* (Dativ).
Passive Voice
Das Kind *wurde* in Paris *gezeugt*.
Infinitiv mit 'zu'
Es ist sein Wunsch, ein Kind *zu zeugen*.
Exemplos por nível
Der Mann hat ein Kind gezeugt.
The man fathered a child.
Perfect tense: hat + gezeugt.
Sie wollen ein Kind zeugen.
They want to conceive a child.
Infinitive after 'wollen'.
Wer hat das Kind gezeugt?
Who fathered the child?
Interrogative sentence.
Ein Kind zu zeugen ist Natur.
To procreate a child is nature.
Infinitive as subject.
Er zeugte einen Sohn.
He fathered a son.
Simple past: zeugte.
Sie haben Nachkommen gezeugt.
They procreated offspring.
Plural object: Nachkommen.
Biologie: Wie zeugen wir Kinder?
Biology: How do we procreate children?
Present tense.
Gott zeugte den Menschen (in Geschichten).
God fathered man (in stories).
Literary context.
Abraham zeugte viele Söhne laut der Bibel.
Abraham fathered many sons according to the Bible.
Proper noun subject.
Das Tier hat keine Jungen gezeugt.
The animal did not father any young.
Negation with 'keine'.
Wann wurde das Kind gezeugt?
When was the child conceived?
Passive voice: wurde gezeugt.
Er wollte einen Erben zeugen.
He wanted to father an heir.
Modal verb 'wollte'.
Es ist schwer, ein Kind zu zeugen.
It is difficult to conceive a child.
Adjective + 'zu' + infinitive.
Die Natur hilft uns, Kinder zu zeugen.
Nature helps us to procreate children.
Infinitive clause with 'zu'.
Er hat in seinem Leben fünf Kinder gezeugt.
He fathered five children in his life.
Perfect tense.
Warum können manche Menschen keine Kinder zeugen?
Why can some people not procreate children?
Modal verb 'können'.
In diesem Labor werden Embryonen künstlich gezeugt.
Embryos are conceived artificially in this lab.
Passive present.
Sein Wunsch, einen Stammhalter zu zeugen, war groß.
His wish to father a male heir was great.
Noun-infinitive construction.
Die Untersuchung zeigt, wer das Kind gezeugt hat.
The investigation shows who fathered the child.
Indirect question in a subordinate clause.
Manche Fische zeugen Tausende von Nachkommen.
Some fish procreate thousands of offspring.
Plural subject and object.
Er konnte aufgrund einer Krankheit kein Kind zeugen.
He could not father a child due to an illness.
Preposition 'aufgrund'.
Das Gesetz bestimmt, wer als Vater gilt, der das Kind gezeugt hat.
The law determines who is considered the father who procreated the child.
Relative clause.
Sie haben sich entschieden, ein Kind durch Samenspende zu zeugen.
They decided to conceive a child through sperm donation.
Reflexive verb 'entscheiden'.
Es ist ein Wunder, wie Leben gezeugt wird.
It is a miracle how life is conceived.
Exclamatory structure.
Diese alten Mauern zeugen von einer glanzvollen Vergangenheit.
These old walls testify to a glorious past.
Metaphorical use with 'von'.
Seine Taten zeugen von großem Mut.
His actions testify to great courage.
Abstract subject.
Die Fähigkeit, Nachkommen zu zeugen, ist essenziell für die Evolution.
The ability to procreate offspring is essential for evolution.
Appositive infinitive phrase.
Er hat das Kind außerehelich gezeugt.
He fathered the child out of wedlock.
Adverbial use.
Künstliche Befruchtung erlaubt es Paaren, Kinder zu zeugen.
Artificial insemination allows couples to conceive children.
Infinitive with 'zu'.
Das Experiment zeugt von der Genialität des Forschers.
The experiment testifies to the genius of the researcher.
Metaphorical 'zeugen von'.
Es wurde bewiesen, dass er der Mann ist, der das Kind gezeugt hat.
It was proven that he is the man who fathered the child.
Passive and relative clause.
Die hohe Qualität der Arbeit zeugt von Sorgfalt.
The high quality of the work testifies to care.
Abstract noun object.
Die biologische Notwendigkeit, sich fortzupflanzen und Nachkommen zu zeugen, treibt alles Leben an.
The biological necessity to reproduce and procreate offspring drives all life.
Parallel infinitives.
In der griechischen Mythologie zeugte Zeus zahlreiche Halbgötter.
In Greek mythology, Zeus fathered numerous demigods.
Historical/Mythological context.
Solche Aussagen zeugen von einer tiefen Unkenntnis der Sachlage.
Such statements testify to a deep ignorance of the facts.
Metaphorical use in formal critique.
Die rechtliche Definition dessen, was es heißt, ein Kind zu zeugen, hat sich gewandelt.
The legal definition of what it means to procreate a child has changed.
Genitive and subordinate clause.
Er hat seinen Nachfolger selbst gezeugt und erzogen.
He fathered and raised his successor himself.
Coordination of verbs.
Die Fossilien zeugen von einer Zeit vor den Menschen.
The fossils testify to a time before humans.
Scientific metaphorical use.
Es ist ethisch umstritten, Kinder nur als Organspender zu zeugen.
It is ethically controversial to procreate children only as organ donors.
Adverbial 'nur als'.
Diese Entdeckung zeugt vom unermüdlichen Forschergeist.
This discovery testifies to the tireless spirit of research.
Contraction 'vom' (von dem).
Die schiere Vielfalt der Spezies zeugt von der unerschöpflichen Kreativität der Evolution.
The sheer diversity of species testifies to the inexhaustible creativity of evolution.
High-level vocabulary.
Das Werk zeugt in jedem Detail von der Meisterschaft seines Schöpfers.
The work testifies in every detail to the mastery of its creator.
Prepositional phrase insertion.
In jener Ära war es die vornehmste Pflicht eines Fürsten, einen legitimen Erben zu zeugen.
In that era, it was the foremost duty of a prince to father a legitimate heir.
Archaic/Formal register.
Die statistischen Daten zeugen von einer signifikanten demografischen Verschiebung.
The statistical data testify to a significant demographic shift.
Academic context.
Philosophisch betrachtet ist das Zeugen von Leben ein Akt der Hoffnung.
Philosophically considered, the procreation of life is an act of hope.
Gerundial use: das Zeugen.
Diese literarischen Fragmente zeugen von einem verlorenen Epos.
These literary fragments testify to a lost epic.
Abstract metaphorical use.
Das Gesetz zur Fortpflanzungsmedizin regelt, wie Kinder gezeugt werden dürfen.
The Reproductive Medicine Act regulates how children may be conceived.
Passive with modal verb.
Jede Geste zeugte von ihrer tiefen Zuneigung zueinander.
Every gesture testified to their deep affection for each other.
Subject-verb agreement with 'Jede'.
Colocações comuns
Frases Comuns
— To be fertile or have the power to procreate.
Der Boden hat eine hohe Zeugungskraft.
— To father a male successor to carry the name.
Er wollte unbedingt einen Stammhalter zeugen.
Frequentemente confundido com
Means 'to show'. 'Zeigen' has 'ei', 'zeugen' has 'eu'.
Means 'to testify/witness'. It usually takes an event as an object.
Means 'to suckle/breastfeed'. It is used for mammals feeding young.
Expressões idiomáticas
— That doesn't exactly show... (used for criticism).
Das zeugt nicht gerade von Weisheit.
neutral— To conceive a child while intoxicated.
Er wurde im Rausch gezeugt.
informalFácil de confundir
Both mean 'to produce'.
'Zeugen' is biological (offspring). 'Erzeugen' is technical or emotional (electricity, heat, feelings).
Er zeugte ein Kind. Das Kraftwerk erzeugt Strom.
Contains the word 'zeugen'.
'Überzeugen' means to convince someone of an idea.
Ich überzeuge dich von meinem Plan.
Contains the word 'zeugen'.
'Bezeugen' is legal/observational (to witness).
Er bezeugte den Unfall.
Similar sound.
'Zeigen' is to show something visually.
Zeig mir dein Haus.
Similar sound.
'Säugen' is breastfeeding/nursing animals.
Die Katze säugt ihre Jungen.
Padrões de frases
Er hat ein Kind gezeugt.
Mein Opa hat fünf Kinder gezeugt.
Sie wollten Nachkommen zeugen.
Die Wölfe wollten Nachkommen zeugen.
Das Kind wurde künstlich gezeugt.
Heute werden viele Kinder künstlich gezeugt.
Das zeugt von [Dativ].
Das zeugt von großem Vertrauen.
Die Absicht, einen Erben zu zeugen.
Seine Absicht, einen Erben zu zeugen, war bekannt.
Dessen Zeugung umstritten war.
Der Thronfolger, dessen Zeugung umstritten war, floh.
Es zeugt von einer gewissen Arroganz.
Sein Verhalten zeugt von einer gewissen Arroganz.
Das Zeugen als biologischer Imperativ.
Das Zeugen von Nachkommen gilt als biologischer Imperativ.
Família de palavras
Substantivos
Verbos
Adjetivos
Relacionado
Como usar
Medium (Common in specific genres like news, history, biology).
-
Ich zeuge dir das Foto.
→
Ich zeige dir das Foto.
Confusing 'show' (zeigen) with 'procreate' (zeugen).
-
Sie hat ein Kind gezeugt.
→
Sie hat ein Kind bekommen / Er hat ein Kind gezeugt.
Usually, the father 'zeugt'. A woman 'gebärt' or 'empfängt'.
-
Das Auto zeugt von Schnelligkeit.
→
Das Auto ist schnell / Das Design zeugt von Schnelligkeit.
Objects themselves don't 'procreate'; their attributes 'testify to' a quality.
-
Er hat die Tat gezeugt.
→
Er hat die Tat bezeugt.
Confusing 'procreate' (zeugen) with 'witness/testify' (bezeugen).
-
Wir zeugen Strom.
→
Wir erzeugen Strom.
Use 'erzeugen' for technical production like electricity.
Dicas
Weak Verb Conjugation
Remember that 'zeugen' follows the standard weak verb pattern. No vowel changes in the stem!
The 'von' Rule
If you use 'zeugen' for evidence, you MUST use 'von'. Without it, you are talking about babies.
The 'EU' sound
Practice the 'oy' sound. It's the same as in 'Euro' or 'neu'.
Medical Context
Expect to hear this word if you go to a fertility doctor in Germany.
Royal Heirs
In historical movies, 'zeugen' is the only word used for kings wanting sons.
Paternity
In legal contexts, 'zeugen' defines biological fatherhood regardless of social status.
Formal Essays
Use 'zeugen von' to make your German essays sound more sophisticated.
TV News
News anchors often use 'zeugen von' when discussing political evidence.
Avoid Overuse
Don't use 'zeugen' for every 'show'. Use 'zeigen' for visual things.
Root Connection
Remember it relates to 'ziehen' (pull). You are 'pulling' life into existence.
Memorize
Mnemônico
Think of 'OY!'—you say 'Oy!' when a baby is 'gezeugt' (conceived). 'Zeugen' sounds like 'Soy-gen' (like soy sauce). Imagine soy sauce creating life.
Associação visual
Imagine a king ('König') pointing at a family tree to 'zeugen' an heir.
Word Web
Desafio
Try to use 'zeugen' and 'zeugen von' in two different sentences today. One about a baby, one about quality.
Origem da palavra
From Middle High German 'ziugen', which meant to produce, create, or testify. It is related to the verb 'ziehen' (to draw/pull).
Significado original: To pull forth, to produce, or to provide evidence.
Germanic.Contexto cultural
Be careful using 'zeugen' in very intimate or emotional conversations, as it can sound a bit like a biology textbook.
English speakers often find 'zeugen' too clinical and prefer 'to have a baby.' In German, 'zeugen' is the standard formal term.
Pratique na vida real
Contextos reais
Biology Class
- Wie pflanzen sich Tiere fort?
- Ein Kind zeugen
- Die Zeugung
- Biologischer Prozess
Legal/Court
- Vaterschaftstest
- Das Kind wurde gezeugt
- Unterhaltspflicht
- Biologischer Vater
History/Literature
- Einen Erben zeugen
- Stammhalter
- Dynastie
- Nachkommen
Medicine/Fertility
- Künstliche Befruchtung
- Zeugungsfähigkeit
- Kinderwunsch
- Spermienqualität
Metaphorical/Abstract
- Das zeugt von Mut
- Von Qualität zeugen
- Ein Zeichen setzen
- Beweis erbringen
Iniciadores de conversa
"Glaubst du, es ist heute schwerer, ein Kind auf natürlichem Wege zu zeugen?"
"Welche Taten einer Person zeugen deiner Meinung nach von wahrem Charakter?"
"Hast du schon mal eine Dokumentation über Tiere gesehen, die auf seltsame Weise Nachkommen zeugen?"
"Zeugt es von Intelligenz, wenn man viele Sprachen spricht?"
"Was zeugt in deiner Stadt von einer langen Geschichte?"
Temas para diário
Schreibe über eine historische Figur, die viele Kinder gezeugt hat, und wie das die Geschichte verändert hat.
Was in deinem Leben zeugt von deiner harten Arbeit oder deinem Fleiß?
Diskutiere die ethischen Aspekte, wenn Menschen Kinder künstlich zeugen.
Beschreibe eine Situation, die von großem Mut oder großer Angst zeugte.
Überlege, wie sich die Bedeutung des Wortes 'zeugen' in der Zukunft durch Technologie ändern könnte.
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasTechnically, 'zeugen' is used for the male part or the couple together. A woman 'empfängt' (conceives) or 'gebärt' (gives birth). However, in general biology, you can say 'Die Eltern zeugen das Kind'.
'Fortpflanzen' is 'to reproduce' as a species. 'Zeugen' is the individual act of fathering/conceiving a specific offspring.
No, it is a regular (weak) verb: zeugen, zeugte, gezeugt.
Use it when you want to say something is evidence of an abstract quality, like 'Das zeugt von Geschmack' (That shows taste).
It is formal and clinical. It's not impolite, but it's not 'warm' or 'cozy' either.
Yes, especially in breeding contexts (e.g., a stallion fathering foals).
It means fertility, specifically the biological ability to procreate.
Yes, they share the root 'zeug' (to testify/evidence). A report card is a 'testimony' of your grades.
No, for objects use 'herstellen' or 'erzeugen'. 'Zeugen' is for biological life.
You say 'im Labor gezeugt'.
Teste-se 200 perguntas
Write a sentence about a king who wants a son using 'zeugen'.
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Use 'zeugen von' to say that someone's work shows great quality.
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Translate: 'He fathered five children.'
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Write a sentence using 'künstlich gezeugt'.
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Explain in German what 'Zeugungsunfähigkeit' means.
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Translate: 'These ruins testify to an ancient culture.'
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Write a sentence about animals procreating.
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Use 'zeugen von' in a critical sentence about someone's behavior.
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Translate: 'The ability to procreate is natural.'
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Write a short story (3 sentences) about a scientist and conception.
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Translate: 'Abraham begat Isaac.'
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Write a sentence using the passive voice of 'zeugen'.
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Use 'zeugen von' to describe a beautiful painting.
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Translate: 'They decided to conceive a child.'
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Write a sentence about a stallion (Hengst) fathering foals (Fohlen).
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Use 'zeugen von' to talk about history.
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Translate: 'Artificial conception is common today.'
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Write a sentence about fertility (Zeugungsfähigkeit).
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Translate: 'His success shows hard work.'
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Write a sentence about 'Nachkommen' and 'zeugen'.
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Say: 'He fathered a child.'
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Say: 'That shows courage.'
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Say: 'They want to procreate offspring.'
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Say: 'The baby was conceived artificially.'
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Say: 'He wanted to father an heir.'
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Say: 'This shows great quality.'
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Say: 'Who fathered the child?'
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Say: 'It shows your intelligence.'
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Say: 'Animals procreate in spring.'
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Say: 'That doesn't show much respect.'
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Say: 'Abraham begat Isaac.'
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Say: 'The child was conceived in Berlin.'
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Say: 'She cannot conceive a child.' (Use 'zeugen' from father's perspective context)
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Say: 'The ruins show a long history.'
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Say: 'He is fertile.'
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Say: 'The act of procreation.'
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Você disse:
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Say: 'That shows a lack of taste.'
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Você disse:
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Say: 'He fathered many sons.'
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Say: 'The discovery shows progress.'
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Say: 'Procreating life is a miracle.'
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Transcript: 'Der Arzt bestätigte, dass der Mann zeugungsfähig ist.' Question: Is the man fertile?
Transcript: 'Diese alten Schriften zeugen von einer vergessenen Sprache.' Question: What do the writings show?
Transcript: 'Er hat das Kind künstlich gezeugt.' Question: Was the child conceived naturally?
Transcript: 'Das zeugt nicht gerade von deiner Klugheit.' Question: Is the speaker complimenting the person?
Transcript: 'Der König wollte unbedingt einen Stammhalter zeugen.' Question: What did the king want?
Transcript: 'In der Natur ist das Zeugen von Nachkommen der wichtigste Instinkt.' Question: What is the most important instinct in nature?
Transcript: 'Wer hat dieses Kind eigentlich gezeugt?' Question: What is the speaker asking?
Transcript: 'Die Qualität dieser Arbeit zeugt von Fleiß.' Question: What does the work show?
Transcript: 'Er wurde außerehelich gezeugt.' Question: Was he conceived in a marriage?
Transcript: 'Seine Taten zeugen von großem Mut.' Question: What do his deeds show?
Transcript: 'Ohne Zeugung gibt es kein neues Leben.' Question: What is necessary for new life?
Transcript: 'Das zeugt von gutem Geschmack.' Question: Does the speaker like the person's taste?
Transcript: 'Der Hengst hat viele Fohlen gezeugt.' Question: What animal are they talking about?
Transcript: 'Das Kind wurde in Paris gezeugt.' Question: Where was the child conceived?
Transcript: 'Diese Fehler zeugen von Unkenntnis.' Question: What do the mistakes show?
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Focus on the context: Use 'zeugen' for the biological act of fathering a child (e.g., 'ein Kind zeugen') and 'zeugen von' for evidence (e.g., 'Das zeugt von Mut'). Avoid it in casual social settings.
- Zeugen is a formal verb for procreating or fathering offspring.
- It is regular: zeugen, zeugte, hat gezeugt.
- Commonly used in biology, history, and legal contexts.
- Metaphorically, 'zeugen von' means to testify to or be evidence of something.
Weak Verb Conjugation
Remember that 'zeugen' follows the standard weak verb pattern. No vowel changes in the stem!
The 'von' Rule
If you use 'zeugen' for evidence, you MUST use 'von'. Without it, you are talking about babies.
The 'EU' sound
Practice the 'oy' sound. It's the same as in 'Euro' or 'neu'.
Medical Context
Expect to hear this word if you go to a fertility doctor in Germany.
Exemplo
Einige Tierarten zeugen nur einmal im Leben Nachwuchs.
Conteúdo relacionado
Frases relacionadas
Mais palavras de family
Abstammung
B1A ascendência refere-se à origem familiar ou nacional de uma pessoa.
adoptieren
B1Adotar uma criança significa assumi-la legalmente como sua filha.
adoptiert
B1Adotado: Legalmente tomado como filho próprio por pais não biológicos. Ele é um filho adotado. Ela foi adotada quando criança.
Adoption
B1A adoção é o processo legal de se tornar pai ou mãe de uma criança que não é biológica.
Adoptiveltern
A2Pais adotivos são pessoas que assumem legalmente a paternidade de uma criança que não é sua filha biológica.
Adoptivkind
A2Um filho adotivo é uma criança que foi legalmente integrada numa nova família.
Ahn
B1Um 'Ahn' é um ancestral ou antepassado, frequentemente usado em genealogia.
Ahne
B1Um ancestral ou antepassado.
ähneln
B1Quando duas pessoas ou coisas se parecem muito em aparência ou comportamento.
Ahnen
B1Os 'Ahnen' são os ancestrais ou antepassados de uma pessoa.
