verurteilen
Translation
to convict, to sentence, to condemn
Examples
Der Richter verurteilte den Angeklagten.
The judge convicted the defendant.
Er wurde zu einer Geldstrafe verurteilt.
He was sentenced to a fine.
Sie verurteilte sein Verhalten scharf.
She strongly condemned his behaviour.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.)) ((to sth.)) to sentence (sb.) (to sth.) He was sentenced to a long prison term.
((sb.)) ((for sth.)) to convict (sb.) (for sth.) She was convicted for theft.
((sth.)) to condemn (sth.) We condemn any form of violence.
Similar Words
anklagen (to accuse), bestrafen (to punish); Antonyms: freisprechen (to acquit)
Etymology
From `ver-` (prefix indicating completion or a negative outcome) + `urteilen` (to judge). Literally, 'to pass final judgment upon'.
Memory Tips
Think of a judge giving the final 'Urteil' (judgment), which is the act of 'verurteilen'.