adjectiveverb

verlegen

postpone · reschedule

Dieses Wort beschreibt, dass jemand unsicher, peinlich berührt oder schüchtern wirkt. Es kann aber auch bedeuten, etwas an einen anderen Ort zu bringen oder etwas zu veröffentlichen.

Definition & meaning

The word verlegen has two primary meanings depending on the context:

Adjective (Embarrassed/Shy): It describes a state of feeling awkward, bashful, or self-conscious, usually caused by a social situation or a compliment. It can also describe a feeling of being at a loss for words or actions.
Verb (To misplace/To postpone/To publish):
- To misplace: To put something somewhere and forget where it is.
- To postpone/reschedule: To move an event, appointment, or meeting to a different time or place.
- To publish: In the context of the book trade, it means to produce and issue a book, magazine, or piece of music.

Grammar & Word origin

As an adjective: It is indeclinable in its predicate form (e.g., "Er ist verlegen"). When used attributively, it follows standard adjective declension (e.g., "ein verlegener Blick").
As a verb: It is a separable verb (ver-legen). The past participle is verlegt.
Etymology: The word originates from Old High German farlegan. It is composed of the prefix ver- (indicating a change of state, loss, or completion) and legen (to lay/place). Historically, it meant "to lay something away so that it is no longer accessible."