German word

langweilen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈlaŋvaɪ̯lən/

Meaning

  • verbget bored

Example

Im Unterricht langweile ich mich oft.

I often get bored in class.

Illustration for langweilen (get bored)

More examples

Der Vortrag langweilt das Publikum.

The lecture bores the audience.

Core concept

A low-stimulation stretch of time leaves attention with nothing to hold it, whether a person feels bored or an activity bores someone.

Common phrases

  • sich im Unterricht langweilen

    get bored in class

  • sich zu Tode langweilen

    get bored to death

  • langweilen das Publikum

    bore the audience

Similar words

interessieren: To awaken interest and encourage close attention to a subject or activity.
amüsieren: To give someone enjoyment and brighten the time, possibly through laughter.
beschäftigen: To occupy someone's time and attention with an activity or task.
unterhalten: To entertain someone through friendly conversation.

Definition in German

Durch Monotonie oder Mangel an Reiz Interesse verlieren; man kann sich langweilen (reflexiv) oder jemanden langweilen (transitiv).

Word origin

Langweilen is formed from Langeweile, built from lang 'long' and Weile 'while', with a verb ending added.

Usage tips

  • Langweilen is transitive for boring someone, while sich langweilen is reflexive for getting bored, as in Der Film langweilt mich and Ich langweile mich.

Other meanings

  • boreverb

Opposites

Related words

  • die Langeweileboredomnoun
  • langweiligboringadjective

Word lists with this word