beklagen
Translation
to complain about, to lament, to bemoan, to regret
Examples
Er beklagte den Verlust seines Freundes.
He lamented the loss of his friend.
Sie beklagte sich über den Lärm.
She complained about the noise.
Viele beklagen die hohen Preise.
Many bemoan the high prices.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to lament/bemoan (sth.) He bemoaned his fate.
((reflexive)) ((über+4)) to complain about (sth.) She complained about the cold weather.
((reflexive)) ((bei+3)) to complain to (sb.) The guest complained to the manager.
Similar Words
Etymology
From the prefix 'be-' and 'klagen' (to lament, complain). The prefix 'be-' often makes a verb transitive, directing the action towards an object.
Memory Tips
'klagen' is to complain in general. 'beklagen' is to complain *about* a specific thing (accusative object). The reflexive form 'sich beklagen über' is also very common.