behaupten
Translation
to claim, to assert, to maintain, to allege
Examples
Er behauptet, die Wahrheit zu sagen.
He claims to be telling the truth.
Sie konnte sich gegen die Konkurrenz behaupten.
She was able to hold her own against the competition.
Grammar Patterns
((et4)) to claim (sth.) He claims his innocence.
((, dass ...)) to claim (that ...) She claims that she saw nothing.
sich ((gegen+4)) to hold one's own (against sb./sth.) He holds his own against his critics.
Similar Words
versichern (to assure), angeben (to state), verteidigen (to defend)
Etymology
From 'be-' prefix and 'Haupt' (head, main). Literally, to make something the 'main' point, to assert it.
Memory Tips
Imagine someone holding their 'head' (Haupt) high and making a strong claim.