German word

zaubern

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈtsaʊ̯bɐn/

Meaning

  • verbperform magic tricks

Example

Der Zauberer zaubert auf der Bühne.

The magician performs magic tricks on stage.

Illustration for zaubern (perform magic tricks)

More examples

Sie schafft es, dem Publikum ein Lächeln zu zaubern.

She manages to bring a smile to the audience's face.

Core concept

A performer turns a hidden method into an apparently impossible result, whether with props, words, or skill.

Common phrases

  • mit Karten zaubern

    perform card tricks

  • jemandem ein Lächeln zaubern

    bring a smile to someone's face

  • aus dem Nichts zaubern

    conjure out of thin air

Similar words

bezaubern: Strongly charm someone through an appealing expression, manner, or choice of words.
verzaubern: Change a thing's state or an atmosphere as if through magic.
hervorzaubern: Produce or retrieve something quickly and unexpectedly, often as an improvised solution.

Definition in German

Mit Tricks, Illusionen oder geschickter Hand ein Kunststück vorführen, das wie übernatürlich wirkt.

Word origin

Zaubern comes from Zauber, an older German noun for magic, and its verb form covers both magical performance and figurative creation.

Usage tips

  • The phrase etwas aus dem Hut zaubern means to produce something unexpectedly, often a solution or resource, rather than to cast a spell.

Other meanings

  • cast spellsverb
  • conjureverb

Opposites

  • entzauberndisenchantverb
  • demystifizierendemystifyverb

Related words

  • Zauberermagiciannoun
  • Zaubereimagicnoun
  • zauberhaftmagicaladjective

Word lists with this word