leugnen

/ˈlɔɪ̯ɡnən/

verb C1

der (masc.) die (fem.) das (neut.)

Underline = a spelling pattern that usually signals that gender.

Forms

present: leugnet
past: leugnete
perfect: hat geleugnet

Meaning

to deny
- Er leugnete die Tat.
  
  He denied the deed.
- Der Angeklagte leugnete die Tat vor Gericht. Doch die Beweise waren eindeutig.
  
  The defendant denied the deed in court. But the evidence was clear.

Similar words

abstreiten

Abstreiten is denying a specific accusation in conversation; leugnen is more formal, used for denying guilt, an allegation, or even historical facts.

Similar in other languages

Portuguese

desmentir

desmentir is the Portuguese word for the same thing — both mean "to deny."

Portuguese

negar

negar is the Portuguese word for the same thing — both mean "to deny."

Practice

1 What does leugnen mean?

2 Fill the gap: Er ___ die Tat.

3 Which fingerprint chart matches leugnen?

verb

Last updated 2026-09-24