Bezweifeln

Bezweifeln is a German verb that means to doubt or to question the truth, validity, or accuracy of something. It is used to express doubt about claims, findings, statements, or conclusions, and can indicate challenge or skepticism toward a given proposition.

Etymology and form: Bezweifeln is formed from the noun Zweifel (doubt) with the inseparable prefix be-, creating a transitive verb that takes a direct object in the accusative (for example, die Behauptung). As an inseparable prefix verb, the prefix remains attached in all tenses. Conjugation examples: ich bezweifle, du bezweifelst, er bezweifelt; past: ich bezweifelte, du bezweifeltest, er bezweifelte; perfect: ich habe bezweifelt.

Usage and nuance: Bezweifeln conveys a stronger or more formal act of doubting than the simple zweifeln. It is common in scientific, journalistic, philosophical, and critical contexts when assessing claims, data, or procedures. Typical objects include statements, hypotheses, evidence, or official claims. It can be followed by clauses or noun phrases, such as "die Behauptung," "die Ergebnisse," or "die Plausibilität."

See also: zweifeln; in Frage stellen; Skepsis; Zweifel as a general noun. Bezweifeln sits within a family of verbs related to doubt and critical assessment and is often used to denote a deliberate or reasoned challenge rather than casual uncertainty.