Meaning 1neutral; machines and physical functions · 82%
To suddenly stop functioning or stop doing what is required.
Natural examples
Kurz vor dem Ziel versagte der Motor des Lieferwagens.
The delivery van's engine failed just before the destination.
Bei starkem Regen versagten die alten Bremsen.
The old brakes failed in heavy rain.
Nach vielen Jahren versagte die Pumpe im Keller.
After many years, the basement pump stopped working.
Usage note
In this sense, versagen has no accusative object. It is strong and forms the perfect with haben; it can also mean a person fails.
Mini-lesson: versagen
To suddenly stop functioning or stop doing what is required. In this sense, versagen has no accusative object. It is strong and forms the perfect with haben; it can also mean a person fails.
Check your learning
Choose one answer.Which definition matches «versagen»?