Dictionary
unterwerfen
German → American English
American English
subdue
Jemanden oder etwas durch Macht, Gewalt oder Autorität gefügig machen und unter Kontrolle bringen.
Das Imperium versuchte, die Nachbarvölker zu unterwerfen.Unterwerfen is a formal verb and is often used in historical, political, or military contexts. In everyday speech, people often prefer stronger or more direct alternatives like besiegen or kontrollieren depending on the meaning.
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Frequently asked questions
What does unterwerfen mean in English?
Unterwerfen means to subdue, subjugate, or bring under control.
Is unterwerfen a formal word?
Yes. It is relatively formal and often appears in political, historical, or literary contexts.
What is the difference between unterwerfen and besiegen?
Besiegen means to defeat, while unterwerfen means to subdue or make someone/something submit after defeating or overpowering them.
How do you use unterwerfen in a sentence?
A common use is: Der Staat unterwarf die Region. = The state subdued the region.