German word

zögern

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈt͡søːgɐn/

Meaning

  • verbhesitate

Example

Ich zögere, bevor ich antworte.

I hesitate before answering.

Illustration for zögern (hesitate)

More examples

Er zögert, bei sensiblen Themen seine Meinung zu äußern.

He hesitates to express his opinion on sensitive topics.

Core concept

A decision remains suspended for a moment while uncertainty blocks the next word or action.

Common phrases

  • zögern, etwas zu sagen

    hesitate to say something

  • bei einer Frage zögern

    hesitate over a question

  • mit dem Antworten zögern

    hesitate to answer

Similar words

zweifeln: Feel unsure about whether something is true or reliable.
zaudern: Put off making a decision instead of deciding promptly.
sich scheuen: Hold back from acting because of fear or shyness.

Definition in German

zögern beschreibt das kurze Innehalten vor einer Äußerung oder Handlung aus Unsicherheit.

Word origin

Zögern is an inherited Germanic verb documented in Middle High German as zögern, with a historical connection to zagen.

Usage tips

  • Zögern does not by itself signal refusal, so 'Sie zögert noch' usually describes temporary uncertainty rather than a final rejection.

Other meanings

  • be unsureverb

Opposites

  • entscheidendecideverb
  • sich entschließenmake up one's mindverb

Related words

Word lists with this word