verb

vermasseln

mess up

Definition & meaning

The verb vermasseln is a colloquial German term that means to mess something up, to botch, or to spoil. It refers to ruining a plan, an opportunity, or a task through incompetence, carelessness, or bad luck.

Context of a task: If someone fails to complete a job properly or makes a significant mistake during a performance, they have "vermasselt" it. (e.g., "Ich habe die Prüfung vermasselt" – I messed up the exam).
Context of an opportunity: It is also used when someone misses out on a chance due to their own actions. (e.g., "Er hat es sich bei ihr vermasselt" – He ruined his chances with her).

Grammar & Word origin

vermasseln is a weak verb. Its conjugation follows the standard pattern: vermasselt (past tense: vermasselte, participle: vermasselt). It is almost exclusively used in informal, colloquial language.

The word is composed of the prefix ver- and the noun Massel.

ver-: In this context, it is a prefix indicating that an action has been done incorrectly, excessively, or resulted in a negative outcome.
Massel: This is a German colloquialism (derived from the Yiddish word masl) meaning "luck" or "good fortune."

Interestingly, the word acts as a negative counterpart to luck. While Massel haben means to have good luck, vermasseln implies "de-lucking" or ruining the positive outcome of a situation.