German word

staunen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʃtaʊ̯nən/

Meaning

  • verbbe amazed

Example

Ich staune über deine Fortschritte.

I am amazed at your progress.

Illustration for staunen (be amazed)

More examples

Ich staune, wie klar er die Situation erklärt.

I am amazed at how clearly he explains the situation.

Core concept

A person stops for a moment, eyes wide and speech briefly absent at something unexpectedly impressive.

Common phrases

  • über etwas staunen

    be amazed at something

  • über die Neuigkeit staunen

    be amazed at the news

  • über die Größe des Gebäudes staunen

    be amazed at the size of the building

Similar words

überraschen: Cause someone to feel surprised by an unexpected event.
sich wundern: Feel puzzled because something is difficult to explain.
erstaunen: Show a strong reaction of surprise.

Definition in German

staunen heißt, plötzlich überrascht oder erstaunt sein und oft kurz sprachlos bleiben.

Word origin

Staunen continues Middle High German staunen, an older verb meaning to be astonished or bewildered.

Usage tips

  • Staunen is normally used with über plus the accusative, as in über deine Fortschritte staunen.

Other meanings

  • marvelverb

Related words

  • das Staunenamazementnoun
  • erstaunenamazeverb
  • staunenswertamazingadjective

Word lists with this word