taugen
Translation
to be of use, to be good for, to be suitable
Examples
Das alte Werkzeug taugt noch etwas.
The old tool is still of some use.
Er taugt nicht zum Lehrer.
He is not cut out to be a teacher.
Was taugt dieser Plan?
What good is this plan?
Grammar Patterns
to be good for ((sth.)) to be of use for sth. Das Werkzeug taugt noch etwas.
to be suitable ((for sth. / as sth.)) to be cut out for sth. Er taugt nicht zum Lehrer.
to be useless to be no good Dieses alte Handy taugt nichts mehr.
Similar Words
Synonyms: geeignet sein (to be suitable), nützlich sein (to be useful); Antonyms: ungeeignet sein (to be unsuitable)
Etymology
From Middle High German 'tugen', meaning 'to be useful'. Related to 'Tugend' (virtue).
Memory Tips
Sounds a bit like 'tough'. If something is 'tough' enough, it is suitable for the job, it 'taugt'.