lauern
lurk
Sich still verstecken und warten, bis jemand oder etwas kommt.
The German word "lauern" is a verb that means "to lurk" or "to lie in wait." It commonly describes the action of waiting hidden, typically with a hostile intent or to catch someone unawares. The word isn't directly made up of recognizable smaller units that alter its meaning, but "lauern" carries a connotation of stealthiness and potential danger or surprise.
Similar words in German include "verstecken" (to hide), "anschleichen" (to creep up), and "auflauern" (to ambush). "Lauern" differs slightly from these; while all suggest secrecy or surprise, "lauern" especially highlights the aspect of waiting quietly and potentially for a long time, implying patience and opportunism.
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Examples
Ihm scheint, als würde etwas im Dunkeln lauern.verb
It seems to him that something is lurking in the darkness.
Hinter der Ecke lauert ein hungriger Löwe.verb
Behind the corner lurks a hungry lion.
Die Diebe lauerten stundenlang im Schatten auf ihre Gelegenheit.verb
The thieves lurked in the shadows for hours waiting for their opportunity.
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