antworten
Translation
answered, replied
Examples
Er antwortete auf meine Frage.
He answered my question.
Sie antwortete mir nicht.
She didn't answer me.
Er antwortete mit einem Lächeln.
He answered with a smile.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.dat)) to answer (sb.) She didn't answer me.
((auf+acc)) to answer (sth.) He answered my question.
Similar Words
erwidern (to retort), reagieren (to react)
Etymology
From 'Antwort' (answer), which is composed of 'ant-' (counter) + 'Wort' (word). A 'counter-word'. 'antwortete' is the simple past tense form.
Memory Tips
Imagine an 'ant' giving you a 'word' back as an answer. The '-ete' ending is a common simple past ending for weak verbs.