bekehren
Translation
to convert, to persuade
Examples
Der Missionar bekehrte viele Menschen.
The missionary converted many people.
Er bekehrte sich zum Christentum.
He converted to Christianity.
Sie versuchte, ihn zu ihrer Meinung zu bekehren.
She tried to convert him to her opinion.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.)) ((to sth.)) to convert (sb.) (to sth.) He converted his friend to Islam.
((reflexive)) ((to sth.)) to convert (to sth.) She converted to Buddhism.
Similar Words
überzeugen (to convince), umstimmen (to change someone's mind)
Etymology
From the prefix 'be-' (making something happen) and 'kehren' (to turn). Literally 'to make someone turn'.
Memory Tips
Imagine 'turning' (kehren) someone towards a new belief. The 'be-' prefix makes it an action done *to* someone or something.