irritieren
to confuse
To confuse, unsettle, or disturb someone so that their concentration or well-being is affected.
EXAMPLE
Die widersprüchlichen Anweisungen haben mich völlig irritiert.
The contradictory instructions completely confused me.
irritieren
to confuse / irritate
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Meanings
irritieren
to irritate
In medicine or biology: to cause physical irritation or mild inflammation, for example on the skin or mucous membranes.
EXAMPLE
Das neue Waschmittel hat meine Haut irritiert.
The new detergent irritated my skin.
Usage tips
Context clue
The context makes the meaning clear. If it is about thoughts, feelings, or concentration, 'irritieren' means 'to confuse'. If it is about the body (skin, eyes), physical irritation is meant.
EXAMPLE
Sein plötzliches Schweigen irritierte die ganze Gruppe.
His sudden silence confused the whole group.
Accusative object
The verb 'irritieren' always needs an accusative object. The person or body part that is confused or irritated is in the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Deine Frage irritiert mich ein wenig.
Your question confuses me a little.
False friend
In German, 'irritieren' often means 'to confuse' or 'to unsettle'. It is weaker than the English 'to irritate', which usually means 'to annoy' or 'to get on someone's nerves'.
EXAMPLE
Die ungewöhnliche Architektur des Gebäudes irritiert viele Besucher.
The building's unusual architecture confuses many visitors.
Participle as adjective
The participles are often used as adjectives. 'Irritierend' (confusing) describes something that causes confusion. 'Irritiert' (confused) describes a person's feeling.
EXAMPLE
Ich finde sein Verhalten sehr irritierend.
I find his behavior very confusing.
Compare with
irritieren vs verwirren
to confuse
Both verbs can describe a reaction to an unexpected statement. „Verwirren“ emphasizes that you no longer understand the connection. „Irritieren“ focuses more on feeling unsettled or puzzled, even though you can basically understand the statement.
irritieren
Die unerwartete Antwort irritierte mich, obwohl ich ihre Bedeutung verstand.
The unexpected answer puzzled me, even though I understood what it meant.
verwirren
Die widersprüchlichen Angaben verwirrten mich, sodass ich den Zusammenhang nicht verstand.
The contradictory information confused me, so I did not understand how it all fit together.
In real life
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