verklagen
/fɛʁˈklaːɡən/
To sue in German is to use verklagen. Wiktionary also lists klagen.
Meaning: to file a legal action (verb)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| verklagen | /fɛʁˈklaːɡən/ |
| klagen | /ˈklaːɡən/ |
The term refers to the act of filing a legal action against someone.
Which one should you use?
verklagen is the specific term used when you are initiating a lawsuit against a person or entity in a legal context. In contrast, klagen more commonly means to complain or to lament in general usage, even though it is related to the same legal root.
How does it change in a sentence?
verklagen is a transitive verb that requires a direct object in the accusative case, such as jemanden verklagen.
How do you pronounce it?
/fɛʁˈklaːɡən/
Did you know?
- The word verklagen comes from the Old High German firklagōn, which originally meant 'to bemoan' or 'to lament'.
- The word Klage serves as both the legal term for a 'lawsuit' and the musical term for a 'plaint' or 'lamentation'.
- In German, you cannot 'sue for' something using verklagen. Instead, you 'sue someone' and then specify the demand using a separate phrase like auf Schadensersatz klagen for 'suing for damages'.
Examples in context
- Tom wird dich verklagen.Tom will sue you.Tatoeba #2215836 by Esperantostern, translation #2215732 by CK
- Ich sollte ihn verklagen.I should sue him.Tatoeba #12278960 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3909317 by CH
- Ich sollte sie verklagen.I should sue her.Tatoeba #12278962 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3909318 by CH
- Hey Susi, wie geht es dir?Hey Sue, how are you?
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Hannah are discussing a legal dispute at a cafe.
- JulianKann ich die Firma verklagen?Can I sue the company?
- HannahJa, du kannst sie verklagen.Yes, you can sue them.
- JulianWird der Anwalt mich verklagen?Will the lawyer sue me?
- HannahNein, das ist unwahrscheinlich.No, that is unlikely.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sue” translations and entries verklagen, klagen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries klagen, verklagen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
