opfern
/ˈʔɔpfɐn/
To sacrifice in German is opfern.
The verb opfern means to destroy or surrender something for the sake of something else that is considered more urgent or valuable. Its related noun, Opfer, refers to a human being, an animal, a physical object or an immaterial thing that is offered to a deity. In certain contexts, Opfer can also mean 'victim'.
Meaning: to destroy or surrender (something) for the sake of something else regarded as more urgent or valuable (verb)
Which one should you use?
The verb opfern (to sacrifice) is distinct from the noun Opfer (victim or sacrifice).
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The third person singular present form of opfern is opfert. To express the act of sacrificing oneself, use the reflexive construction sich opfern. The simple past form is opferte, and the past participle is geopfert.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʔɔpfɐn/
Did you know?
- In modern German youth slang, Opfer is used as a common insult to describe someone who is weak or pathetic, regardless of whether they have actually suffered a loss.
- The verb opfern shares an unexpected linguistic ancestor with the Medieval Latin word 'operor', which means 'to work' or 'to labor'.
- The verb opfern is used in chess to describe the strategic act of intentionally losing a piece to gain an advantage.
Examples in context
- Karl wollte sich opfern.Karl planned to sacrifice himself.This sentence shows how to use opfern in a reflexive context.Tatoeba #12452158 by Waldelfe, translation #11635404 by Amastan
- Er weigerte sich, seine Prinzipien dem Mammon zu opfern.He refused to sacrifice his principles for money.This sentence illustrates using opfern in the context of sacrificing principles.Tatoeba #13555255 by Waldelfe, translation #6130512 by mailohilohi
- Wie kann ich mich für etwas opfern, woran ich nicht glaube?How can I sacrifice myself for something I don't believe in?This sentence shows how to use opfern when discussing self-sacrifice for a cause.Tatoeba #1597668 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1154044 by marcelostockle
- Sie hat große Opfer gebrachtShe made great sacrifices.
- Er hat viel aufgeopfert, um seine Ziele zu erreichenHe sacrificed a lot to achieve his goals.
- Ich habe auf viele Vergnügungen verzichtet, um Geld zu sparenI sacrificed many pleasures to save money.
- Ich habe meinen Urlaub aufgeopfert, um für ein neues Auto zu sparen.I sacrificed my holiday to save up for a new car.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Felix are discussing their career goals.
- SarahIch muss meine Freizeit opfern, um zu studieren.I have to sacrifice my free time to study.
- FelixIst das wirklich notwendig, Sarah?Is that really necessary, Sarah?
- SarahJa, ich will meine Zukunft nicht opfern.Yes, I don't want to sacrifice my future.
- FelixDann unterstütze ich dich dabei, Felix.Then I will support you in that, Felix.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sacrifice” translations and entries opfern, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries opfern, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
