verzeihen
Translation
to forgive, to pardon, to excuse
Examples
Ich kann dir diesen Fehler nicht verzeihen.
I can't forgive you for this mistake.
Bitte verzeihen Sie meine Verspätung.
Please forgive my lateness.
Er hat ihr ihre Lügen verziehen.
He forgave her for her lies.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.dat)) ((sth.acc)) to forgive sb. sth. I forgive you your mistake.
((sb.dat)) to forgive sb. Can you forgive me?
Similar Words
Synonyms: vergeben, entschuldigen
Etymology
From the prefix 'ver-' and 'zeihen', an old word for 'to accuse'. So, it means to undo an accusation, i.e., 'to forgive'.
Memory Tips
Connect it to the common apology 'Verzeihung!' (Pardon me! / Excuse me!), which asks for forgiveness.