verschulden
Translation
to be at fault for, to cause, to get into debt
Examples
Er hat den Unfall nicht verschuldet.
He was not at fault for the accident.
Sie hat sich hoch verschuldet.
She got heavily into debt.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.acc)) to be at fault for sth. He was at fault for the argument.
sich verschulden to get into debt He got into debt with the bank.
Similar Words
Synonyms: verursachen (to cause), Schulden machen (to get into debt)
Etymology
Composed of 'ver-' and the noun 'Schuld' (fault, debt). The 'ver-' prefix verbalizes the noun, creating the meaning of causing fault or getting into debt.
Memory Tips
Connect 'Schuld' (which sounds like 'should') with fault. 'verschulden' is to be at fault for something you 'shouldn't' have done.