English–German

“hesitate” in German

German

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈt͡søːgɐn/

Example

Ich zögere, bevor ich antworte.

I hesitate before answering.

Illustration for zögern (hesitate)

How to say “hesitate” in German

“Hesitate” in German is zögern.

A decision remains suspended for a moment while uncertainty blocks the next word or action.

Full entry for zögern: usage tips, similar words and word origin

Example sentences with zögern

Er zögert, bei sensiblen Themen seine Meinung zu äußern.

He hesitates to express his opinion on sensitive topics.

Tips for using zögern

  • Zögern does not by itself signal refusal, so 'Sie zögert noch' usually describes temporary uncertainty rather than a final rejection.

“hesitate” in other languages