opfern
Translation
to sacrifice, to offer, to donate
Examples
Er hat viel Zeit für das Projekt geopfert.
He sacrificed a lot of time for the project.
Sie opferte ihre Karriere für die Familie.
She sacrificed her career for the family.
Die Soldaten haben ihr Leben geopfert.
The soldiers sacrificed their lives.
Grammar Patterns
((et4)) ((für+4)) to sacrifice sth. for sb./sth. He sacrifices his free time for sports.
((j-m)) ((et4)) to sacrifice sth. to sb. They sacrificed a lamb to the gods.
Similar Words
hingeben (to devote), spenden (to donate)
Etymology
From Latin 'operari' (to work, effect), related to the noun 'das Opfer' (sacrifice, victim).
Memory Tips
Sounds similar to the English word 'offer'. You 'offer' something up for a cause or a deity, which is a form of sacrifice.