beten
Translation
to pray
Examples
Sie betet jeden Abend vor dem Schlafen.
She prays every evening before sleeping.
Er betet für den Frieden in der Welt.
He prays for peace in the world.
Wir beten zu Gott um Hilfe.
We pray to God for help.
Grammar Patterns
((for sb./sth.)) to pray for sb./sth. Er betet für seine Familie.
((to sb.)) to pray to sb. Sie betet zu Gott.
((for sth.)) to pray for sth. Die Bauern beten um Regen.
Similar Words
Synonyms: flehen (to implore); Antonyms: fluchen (to curse)
Etymology
From Old High German 'betōn', related to 'bitten' (to ask, to request). Praying is a form of asking.
Memory Tips
Sounds a bit like 'better'. People often pray for a 'better' life or a 'better' world.