betteln
Translation
to beg, to implore
Examples
Der arme Mann musste auf der Straße betteln.
The poor man had to beg on the street.
Das Kind bettelte um ein Eis.
The child begged for an ice cream.
Sie bettelte ihn an, ihr zu helfen.
She begged him to help her.
Grammar Patterns
((um et4)) betteln to beg for (sth.) The child is begging for sweets.
betteln to beg (for a living) He had to beg on the street.
Similar Words
Synonyms: to implore, to beseech; Antonyms: to give, to offer
Etymology
Related to 'bitten' (to ask, request). The '-eln' suffix can indicate a repetitive action.
Memory Tips
Imagine someone repeatedly saying 'Bitte, bitte, bitte' (Please, please, please) – that's the essence of 'betteln'.