vor|geben
Translation
to pretend, to feign, to specify, to set
Examples
Er gibt vor, krank zu sein.
He pretends to be sick.
Die Regeln geben die Richtung vor.
The rules specify the direction.
Sie gab Unwissenheit vor.
She feigned ignorance.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to feign sth. She feigned ignorance.
to pretend ((to do sth.)) He pretends to be sick.
((sb.dat)) ((sth.acc)) to set sth. for sb. The coach sets the strategy for the team.
Similar Words
Synonyms: heucheln, vortäuschen; Antonyms: zugeben, gestehen
Etymology
From 'vor-' (before, in front) + 'geben' (to give). Literally 'to give forth' or 'put forward', which can mean presenting something false (pretend) or setting a standard.
Memory Tips
Imagine someone 'giving' (geben) a story 'in front' (vor) of others that isn't true, hence 'pretending'.