Verb

vergeben

Translation

to forgive, to award, to assign, to be taken

Ich kann ihm seine Lüge nicht vergeben.

I cannot forgive him for his lie.

Der Preis wird jährlich vergeben.

The prize is awarded annually.

Dieser Sitzplatz ist leider schon vergeben.

Unfortunately, this seat is already taken.

((j-m)) ((et4)) to forgive (sb.) (sth.) I can forgive him his mistake.

((et4)) ((an j-n)) to award/assign (sth.) (to sb.) The contract was awarded to a new company.

Synonyms: verzeihen (to forgive), zuteilen (to assign); Antonyms: nehmen (to take), behalten (to keep)

From the prefix `ver-` (away, completely) + `geben` (to give). Literally 'to give away', which evolved into 'to forgive' or 'to award'.

Think of the English 'forgive'. The 'give' part is the same. You 'give' away your anger, hence you forgive.