vergewissern
Translation
to make sure, to ascertain, to ensure, to satisfy oneself
Examples
Ich muss mich vergewissern, dass alles stimmt.
I have to make sure that everything is correct.
Vergewissern Sie sich, dass die Tür zu ist.
Make sure that the door is closed.
Grammar Patterns
sich vergewissern, ((dass...)) to make sure that... I'm making sure that the heating is off.
sich ((sth.gen)) vergewissern to make sure of sth. He made sure of the correct path.
Similar Words
sicherstellen (to ensure), überprüfen (to check)
Etymology
From the prefix 'ver-' (for emphasis) and 'gewiss' (certain). It literally means 'to make very certain'.
Memory Tips
Think of making something 'very' ('ver-') 'certain' ('gewiss'). It's a reflexive verb, so you always use it with 'sich'.