01
lauern
to lurk
To stay hidden in order to unexpectedly attack, ambush, or watch someone or something.
example
Die Katze lauert im Gebüsch auf eine Maus.
The cat is lurking in the bushes for a mouse.
lauern
to lurk
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Important prepositions
The verb 'lauern' (to lurk) is often used with fixed prepositions. To express the target of the action, you use 'auf' with the accusative. To describe the place of hiding, you use prepositions such as 'in' (in), 'hinter' (behind), or 'unter' (under) with the dative.
EXAMPLE
Der Dieb lauerte hinter dem Baum auf sein Opfer.
The thief was lurking behind the tree for his victim.
Typical collocations
In the literal meaning, 'lauern' (to lurk) is often associated with animals hunting or people with bad intentions. Typical subjects are 'die Katze' (the cat), 'der Tiger' (the tiger), 'der Jäger' (the hunter), or 'der Dieb' (the thief).
EXAMPLE
Der Fuchs lauert am Hühnerstall.
The fox is lurking by the chicken coop.
Context clue
You can recognize this figurative meaning because the subject is an abstract danger. When the text talks about 'Gefahren' (dangers), 'Risiken' (risks), or 'Problemen' (problems), this metaphorical use is meant.
EXAMPLE
Überall im Internet lauern Fallen für unvorsichtige Nutzer.
Traps lurk everywhere on the internet for careless users.
Compare with
lauern vs warten
to wait / maintain
'warten' and 'lauern' can both mean that someone stays somewhere until something happens. The difference lies in the intention and the tone. 'warten' is neutral: you are expecting a person, a bus, or an event. 'lauern' sounds secretive, tense, or dangerous. It fits when someone is watching from a hidden place or waiting for an opportunity, often in order to act suddenly. Dangers can also 'lauern' (lurk). Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with time and expectation. In normal everyday situations, you almost always use 'warten'; 'lauern' needs a secretive or threatening meaning.
lauern
Hinter der Tür lauert die Katze auf die Maus.
The cat is lurking behind the door, waiting for the mouse.
warten
Ich warte seit zehn Minuten auf den Bus.
I've been waiting for the bus for ten minutes.
In real life
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