säumen
line
The German word "säumen" is a verb meaning "to line" or "to border", as in adding a lining or border to a piece of fabric. In a broader sense, it can also mean "to delay" or "to dawdle", which implies a delay or slowness in doing something. The word is derived from "Saum", which means "hem", "border", or "edge".
In the sense of delay, "säumen" is similar to "zögern" (to hesitate), but "zögern" more strongly implies indecisiveness or hesitation, while "säumen" captures a sense of prolonged inaction. Other similar words for delay include "verzögerung" (the noun form for "delay").
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Examples
Die Bäume säumen den Weg.verb
The trees line the path.
Bäume säumen die Straße auf beiden Seiten.verb
Trees line the street on both sides.
Hohe Hecken säumten früher den Garten.verb
Tall hedges used to line the garden.
Dichte Büsche werden im Sommer den kleinen Hof säumen.verb
Dense bushes will line the small courtyard in summer.
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