klagen
Translation
to complain, to lament, to sue, to moan
Examples
Er klagt immer über das Wetter.
He always complains about the weather.
Sie klagte über starke Kopfschmerzen.
She complained of a severe headache.
Die Firma hat gegen den Konkurrenten geklagt.
The company sued its competitor.
Grammar Patterns
klagen ((über+4)) to complain about sth. He is complaining about his loud neighbours.
klagen ((auf+4)) to sue for sth. She is suing for damages.
klagen ((gegen+4)) to sue sb./sth. He is suing his employer.
Similar Words
sich beschweren (to complain), jammern (to whine)
Etymology
From Old High German 'klagōn' (to lament). Related to the noun 'die Klage' (complaint, lawsuit).
Memory Tips
Think of a 'plague' ('Klage') of problems that makes you complain or lament.