vergessen
Translation
to forget, to leave behind
Examples
Ich habe meinen Schlüssel vergessen.
I have forgotten my key.
Vergiss nicht, die Tür abzuschließen.
Don't forget to lock the door.
Er hat sich bei der Arbeit völlig vergessen.
He completely lost himself in his work.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to forget (sth.) I forgot my appointment.
((to do sth.)) to forget (to do sth.) He forgot to turn off the light.
((sich4)) to lose oneself (in sth.) She lost herself in her anger.
Similar Words
Synonyms: entfallen, aus dem Gedächtnis verlieren; Antonyms: sich erinnern, daran denken
Etymology
From the prefix 'ver-' (often indicating something going astray or away) and 'gessen', related to Old English 'gietan' (to get). So, 'to un-get' or 'let go from one's grasp'.
Memory Tips
The 'ver-' prefix often has a negative or completing connotation, similar to 'for-' in 'forgive' or 'forgo'. Think of it as 'for-getting'.