German word

vermeiden

Pronunciation

IPA/fɛɐ̯ˈmaɪ̯dən/

Meaning

  • verbavoid

Example

Ich vermeide Konflikte.

I avoid conflicts.

Illustration for vermeiden (avoid)

More examples

Ich vermeide Stau, indem ich früher losfahre.

I avoid traffic jams by leaving earlier.

Core concept

A person takes another route so a barrier, danger, or unwanted outcome is never reached.

Common phrases

  • vermeiden peinliche Stille

    avoid awkward silence

  • vermeiden Stau

    avoid traffic jams

  • vermeiden Schäden

    avoid damage

Similar words

meiden: Deliberately staying away from a particular person or place.
ausweichen: Changing direction or moving aside to avoid an impact or obstacle.
umgehen: Getting around a problem or rule without dealing with it directly.
aus dem Weg gehen: Keeping away from someone or somewhere to avoid trouble.

Definition in German

absichtlich eine Handlung unterlassen oder anders handeln, um Kontakt, Gefahr oder unerwünschte Folgen zu verhindern.

Word origin

Vermeiden combines the prefix "ver-" with inherited Germanic "meiden" and continues Middle High German "vermīden".

Usage tips

  • Vermeiden normally takes an accusative object, as in "Konflikte vermeiden," rather than a dative object.

Other meanings

  • refrain fromverb

Opposites

Related words

  • Vermeidungavoidancenoun
  • Vermeidungsstrategieavoidance strategynoun

Word lists with this word