retten
Translation
to save, to rescue
Examples
Rette mich, bitte!
Save me, please!
Der Feuerwehrmann rettet die Katze vom Baum.
The firefighter rescues the cat from the tree.
Grammar Patterns
((sb./sth.)) ((from sth.)) to rescue sb./sth. from sth. Der Feuerwehrmann rettet die Katze aus dem Baum.
((sb./sth.)) ((from sth.)) to save sb./sth. from sth. Sie rettete das Kind vor dem Ertrinken.
Similar Words
Synonyms: bergen (to salvage), befreien (to free); Antonyms: gefährden (to endanger)
Etymology
From Old High German 'retten', related to 'raten' (to advise). The original sense was 'to snatch from danger'.
Memory Tips
Imagine a 'rescue' operation. The verb 'retten' is the action of rescuing. The 'rett' part sounds a bit like 'rid' - to rid someone of danger.