German Conversation · Level 70
60 words
German word
verpassen
Pronunciation
IPA/fɛɐ̯ˈpasən/
Meaning
- verbmiss
Example
Wir haben den Bus verpasst.
We missed the bus.
More examples
Sie hat die Präsentation wegen eines Computerproblems verpasst.
She missed the presentation because of a computer problem.
Core concept
A closing door separates someone from a departing bus, a scheduled event, or a chance that is no longer available.
Common phrases
den Bus verpassen
miss the bus
eine Gelegenheit verpassen
miss an opportunity
einen Termin verpassen
miss an appointment
Similar words
versäumen: Not attending a formal appointment or taking timely action on an opportunity.
verschlafen: Sleeping too long to catch a bus or keep a scheduled appointment.
verfehlen: Not reaching the intended destination or hitting the intended target.
nicht mitbekommen: Not noticing an event or learning about important information.
Definition in German
Etwas Akk nicht rechtzeitig erreichen und dadurch verlieren, besonders bei Verkehrsmitteln, Terminen, Veranstaltungen und Sendungen.
Word origin
Verpassen is a ver- derivative of passen, whose meaning developed toward failing to meet or catch what was expected.
Usage tips
- The missed item is normally an accusative object, as in einen Bus, einen Termin, or eine Gelegenheit verpassen.