verständigen
Translation
to inform, to notify, to reach an agreement, to make oneself understood
Examples
Bitte verständigen Sie die Polizei.
Please inform the police.
Wir müssen uns über den Preis verständigen.
We have to reach an agreement on the price.
Ich kann mich auf Deutsch verständigen.
I can make myself understood in German.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.)) ((about sth.)) to inform (sb.) (about sth.) Please inform the police about the accident.
((sich)) ((with sb.)) ((on sth.)) to agree (with sb.) (on sth.) We agreed with them on the plan.
((sich)) to make oneself understood He can make himself understood in English.
Similar Words
Etymology
Comes from 'ver-' (prefix) + 'Verstand' (reason, understanding). The central concept is causing understanding.
Memory Tips
Focus on the root 'Verstand' (understanding). To 'verständigen' is to make someone understand. Reflexively, 'sich verständigen' is to make yourselves understood to each other, i.e., communicate or agree.