unter|kriegen
Translation
to get down, to subdue, to overcome
Examples
Lass dich nicht unterkriegen!
Don't let it get you down!
Die Krankheit hat ihn nicht untergekriegt.
The illness didn't get him down.
Grammar Patterns
((j-n)) unterkriegen to get (sb.) down The difficulties didn't get him down.
sich nicht unterkriegen lassen to not let oneself be gotten down She won't let the criticism get her down.
Similar Words
Synonyms: besiegen (to defeat), bezwingen (to overcome); Antonyms: aufgeben (to give up), nachgeben (to yield)
Etymology
Comes from 'unter' (under, down) and 'kriegen' (to get). It literally means 'to get someone under', as in under one's control.
Memory Tips
Picture getting someone 'under' you in a wrestling match to 'subdue' them. 'Lass dich nicht unterkriegen!' is a very common phrase of encouragement.