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verlegen sein

be embarrassed · to be embarrassed

Definition & meaning

The phrase "verlegen sein" is a German idiomatic expression that primarily means to be embarrassed, shy, or self-conscious. It describes a state of feeling awkward or uncomfortable in a social situation, often due to a compliment, a mistake, or an unexpected encounter.

Additionally, "verlegen" can also function as an adjective meaning "misplaced" or "lost" (from the verb verlegen). In this context, "etwas verlegen sein" means that someone has lost an object or does not know where they have put it.

Grammar & Word origin

"Verlegen sein" consists of the adjective verlegen and the verb sein (to be).

The word verlegen originates from the Middle High German verlegen, which originally meant "to displace" or "to move." Over time, the meaning evolved:

In the sense of "embarrassed," it suggests a state where one is "at a loss" or "pushed out of one's usual composure."
In the sense of "misplaced," it retains the literal meaning of moving something to a place where it can no longer be found.

As an adjective, verlegen is inflected according to standard German grammar rules when used before a noun (e.g., ein verlegenes Lächeln - an embarrassed smile).