German word

verwöhnen

Pronunciation

IPA/fɛɐ̯ˈvøːnən/

Meaning

  • verbspoil

Example

Meine Eltern verwöhnen mich immer.

My parents always spoil me.

Illustration for verwöhnen (spoil)

More examples

Das Luxushotel verwöhnt seine Gäste täglich.

The luxury hotel pampers its guests every day.

Core concept

Someone is surrounded by extra care, gifts, or comforts instead of being left to manage without them.

Common phrases

  • die Gäste verwöhnen

    pamper the guests

  • jemanden mit Luxus verwöhnen

    pamper someone with luxury

  • ein Kind verwöhnen

    pamper a child

Similar words

verziehen: Indulge someone so fully that selfish or unruly behavior goes unchecked.
verhätscheln: Care for someone tenderly and constantly so they need not manage alone.
bemuttern: Care for someone like an overprotective mother, limiting independent action.
überverwöhnen: Give someone so much that normal effort becomes unnecessary.

Definition in German

jemandem alle oder die meisten Wünsche erfüllen, meist durch nachgiebige Fürsorge oder materielle Gaben

Word origin

The verb comes from Middle High German verwennen, an older form related to the Germanic word family of gewöhnen, and its meaning shifted toward excessive pampering.

Usage tips

  • English "spoil" can sound wholly negative, but verwöhnen also describes positive pampering, such as a hotel or meal that treats guests especially well.

Other meanings

  • treatverb
  • indulgeverb

Opposites

Related words

  • Verwöhnprogrammpampering programnoun
  • verwöhntspoiledadjective

Word lists with this word