weichen
Translation
to yield, to give way, to retreat, to soak
Examples
Er musste dem Stärkeren weichen.
He had to yield to the stronger one.
Die Angst wich langsam von ihm.
The fear slowly left him.
Die Linsen müssen über Nacht weichen.
The lentils have to soak overnight.
Grammar Patterns
((j-m/et3)) to yield to sb./sth. Er musste dem Auto weichen.
((von+3)) to depart from sb./sth. Die Müdigkeit wich von ihm.
((et4)) to soak sth. Die Bohnen müssen geweicht werden.
Similar Words
Synonyms (yield): nachgeben; Synonyms (soak): einweichen
Etymology
Two origins: 'to yield' comes from Old High German 'wīhhan' (to retreat). 'To soak' comes from the adjective 'weich' (soft).
Memory Tips
Remember the two distinct meanings and forms: yielding is a strong verb (wich, gewichen), while soaking to make something soft is a weak verb (weichte, geweicht).