behacken
Translation
hoed, hacked at, pecked at, bickered
Examples
Die Gärtner behackten das Unkraut im Beet.
The gardeners hoed the weeds in the flowerbed.
Die Hühner behackten die Körner auf dem Boden.
The chickens pecked at the grains on the ground.
Die Politiker behackten sich in der Debatte.
The politicians attacked each other in the debate.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to hoe sth. The gardeners hoed the weeds.
((sich)) to bicker, to attack each other The politicians attacked each other in the debate.
Similar Words
Synonyms: bearbeiten (to work on); sich streiten (to argue), angreifen (to attack)
Etymology
From the prefix 'be-' and 'hacken' (to hack, chop, or peck). The prefix 'be-' makes the verb transitive, directing the action onto an object.
Memory Tips
Think of 'hacking' at something, either literally with a tool (like a hoe) or figuratively with words.