versöhnen
Translation
to reconcile, to make peace, to conciliate
Examples
Sie haben sich nach dem Streit versöhnt.
They reconciled after the argument.
Er versuchte, die beiden Freunde zu versöhnen.
He tried to reconcile the two friends.
Grammar Patterns
sich ((mit sb.)) versöhnen to reconcile ((with sb.)) She reconciled with her friend.
((sb.)) ((mit sb.)) versöhnen to reconcile ((sb.)) ((with sb.)) The mediator reconciled the two parties.
Similar Words
schlichten (to mediate), beilegen (to settle); Antonyms: streiten (to argue), entzweien (to set at odds)
Etymology
From the prefix 'ver-' (indicating a process or change) and 'söhnen' (to appease, atone). It signifies bringing about a state of peace.
Memory Tips
Think of 'ver-' as 'for-' as in 'forgive' and 'söhnen' as 'soothing'. So, 'soothing for forgiveness' leads to reconciliation.