German Conversation · Level 79
59 words
German word
verblüffen
Pronunciation
IPA/fɛɐ̯ˈblʏfən/
Meaning
- verbastonish
Example
Die Nachricht hat mich sehr verblüfft.
The news really astonished me.
More examples
Die Studie verblüffte die Forscher.
The study astonished the researchers.
Core concept
A person stares at an unexpected result, unable to respond at once because it exceeds all expectations.
Common phrases
mit einer Geste verblüffen
astonish with a gesture
jemanden sprachlos verblüffen
leave someone speechless
den Gesprächspartner verblüffen
astonish the conversation partner
Similar words
überraschen: To surprise someone with an event they did not expect.
erstaunen: To fill someone with strong surprise and wonder.
überwältigen: To overwhelm someone through powerful emotion or shock.
sprachlos machen: To leave someone too astonished to find words.
Definition in German
jemanden so stark überraschen, dass er verwundert oder sprachlos reagiert
Word origin
German verblüffen is historically related to Dutch verbluffen, but the deeper origin and development of the word are uncertain.
Usage tips
- Verblüffen is transitive and takes an accusative person, as in jemanden verblüffen or Die Nachricht hat mich verblüfft.
Opposites
- kaltlassenleave someone coldverb
Related words
- verblüffendastonishingadjective
- Verblüffungastonishmentnoun