begehen
Translation
to commit (a crime), to celebrate (an anniversary), to walk on, to inspect
Examples
Er hat einen Fehler begangen.
He committed a mistake.
Wir begehen heute unseren Hochzeitstag.
We are celebrating our wedding anniversary today.
Der Architekt begeht die Baustelle.
The architect is inspecting the construction site.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to commit (sth.) He committed suicide.
((sth.)) to celebrate (sth.) They are celebrating their silver wedding anniversary.
Similar Words
Synonyms: verüben (commit); feiern (celebrate); betreten (to walk on)
Etymology
From the prefix 'be-' and 'gehen' (to go). It literally means 'to go over' something, which can mean to walk on it, to 'go over' a line (commit a crime), or to 'go through' a ceremony (celebrate).
Memory Tips
Imagine 'going' ('gehen') over a line to 'begehen' a crime, or 'going' through the motions of a celebration.