vergeben
Translation
to award, to grant, to forgive, to assign
Examples
Die Jury vergab den Preis an einen jungen Autor.
The jury awarded the prize to a young author.
Sie konnte ihm seinen Verrat nie vergeben.
She could never forgive him for his betrayal.
Die Plätze sind leider schon alle vergeben.
Unfortunately, the seats are all already taken.
Grammar Patterns
((et4)) ((an j-n)) vergeben to award sth. to sb. The university awarded a scholarship to her.
((j-m)) ((et4)) vergeben to forgive sb. for sth. He couldn't forgive her for the mistake.
Similar Words
Etymology
From the prefix 'ver-' (indicating completion or change) + 'geben' (to give). Literally 'to give away' or 'to give completely'.
Memory Tips
Think of the English 'forgive'. The prefix 'ver-' often has a similar function to 'for-' (e.g., verbieten/forbid, vergessen/forget).