German Conversation · Level 136
30 words
German word
scheuen
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈʃɔʏ̯ən/
Meaning
- verbavoid
Example
Viele Menschen scheuen Konflikte.
Many people avoid conflicts.
More examples
Bei Vorstellungsgesprächen scheut sie direkte Fragen nicht.
At job interviews, she does not avoid direct questions.
Core concept
A wary person keeps distance from a feared task or encounter instead of facing it directly.
Common phrases
neue Aufgaben scheuen
avoid new tasks
öffentliche Kritik scheuen
avoid public criticism
Verpflichtungen scheuen
avoid obligations
Similar words
meiden: Deliberately staying away from a person, place, or matter.
vermeiden: Keeping away from an action or situation to prevent an unwanted result.
zögern: Hesitating to begin an action or make a decision.
zurückschrecken: Suddenly pulling back because of fear or surprise.
Definition in German
scheuen bedeutet, vor einer Handlung oder Begegnung zu zögern und sie deshalb zu vermeiden.
Word origin
Scheuen comes through Middle High German schüehen from an older Germanic verb associated with fearful avoidance and is related to scheu.
Usage tips
- Scheuen usually suggests reluctance or apprehension, so it is less neutral than English avoid in many contexts.