vergeigen
screw up
Definition & meaning
The word vergeigen is a colloquial German verb that means to mess something up, to screw up, or to fail at a task. It is typically used when someone ruins an opportunity or performs poorly in a situation where success was expected or possible. For example, one might use it when failing an exam or losing a sports match due to avoidable mistakes.
Grammar & Word origin
This is a regular (weak) verb. Its principal forms are vergeigte (past tense) and hat vergeigt[?](vocabuo://word/hat vergeigt) (perfect tense).
The word is derived from the noun Geige, which means violin. Historically, the prefix ver- combined with the musical instrument suggested playing the instrument poorly or wasting time by playing music instead of working. Over time, the musical connotation faded, and it became a general term for bungling a situation or failing.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
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Examples
Er hat die wichtige Prüfung leider komplett vergeigt.verb
Unfortunately, he completely screwed up the important exam.
Hast du dein Vorstellungsgespräch gestern etwa vergeigt?verb
Did you perhaps screw up your job interview yesterday?
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