Light-verb construction 'Kritik üben' (to voice criticism)

Funktionsverbgefüge 'Kritik üben'

'Kritik üben' = to criticise (an + ).

Structure

Kritik üben (an + Dativ)

Kritik üben (an + dative)

Details

Part of Speech: Expression
Word Type: Light-verb construction
Register: Standard

Explanation

Kritik üben is a light- construction meaning to criticise / to voice criticism. The content lies in the Kritik; üben is the light . What is criticised is added with the fixed an + Dativ.

Die Presse übt Kritik an der Regierung. - The press criticises the government.
Der Lehrer übte scharfe Kritik an dem Aufsatz. - The teacher sharp criticism of the essay.
An diesem Plan wurde viel Kritik geübt. - A lot of criticism was levelled at this plan.

It is more formal and impersonal than the kritisieren, common in journalism and reports. Note that Kritik usually has no when used generically.

Common mistakes:

Wrong : the target takes an + Dativ (Kritik an der Regierung), not über or gegen.
Using a different : it is üben (or formally äußern), not machen or geben.

About Light-verb construction 'Kritik üben' (to voice criticism)

'Kritik üben' = to criticise (an + ).

Means 'to criticise'; what is criticised follows with 'an' + .

'Kritik üben' = kritisieren (an + ).

Caution

Means 'to criticise'; the target follows with 'an' + dative: 'Kritik an der Regierung üben'.