German word

zumuten

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈtsuːmuːtən/

Meaning

  • verbimpose on

Example

Er zumutet mir die Arbeit.

He imposes the work on me.

Illustration for zumuten (impose on)

More examples

Man darf neuen Mitarbeitern nicht zu viel zumuten.

You must not impose too much on new employees.

Core concept

One person makes another carry a task, sacrifice, or ordeal that strains what seems reasonable.

Common phrases

  • jemandem etwas zumuten

    impose something on someone

  • jemandem zu viel zumuten

    impose too much on someone

Similar words

überfordern: To overwhelm someone with demands beyond their ability or available time.
aufbürden: To saddle someone with a burdensome responsibility.
auferlegen: To formally assign a duty, penalty, or other obligation.
belasten: To weigh on someone mentally or physically.

Definition in German

Jemandem etwas zumuten heißt, von jemandem eine ungewöhnlich hohe oder unangemessene Belastung, Aufgabe oder Opfer zu verlangen.

Word origin

Zumuten combines zu- with the older verb muten, historically associated with judging or expecting something, and developed the sense of placing a demand on another person.

Usage tips

  • Zumuten takes a dative person and an accusative thing, as in jemandem etwas zumuten, with the person receiving the demand.

Other meanings

  • burdenverb
  • expect too much ofverb

Opposites

Related words

  • Zumutungimpositionnoun
  • zumutbartolerableadjective

Word lists with this word