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
lauern
to lurk
To be present in a hidden way and represent a potential threat. Often used for abstract dangers or problems.
EXAMPLE
Unter der scheinbar ruhigen Oberfläche lauerten viele ungelöste Konflikte.
Beneath the seemingly calm surface, many unresolved conflicts were lurking.
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 is the neutral term for letting time pass until someone arrives. Lauern, by contrast, means staying hidden and watching or attacking the person unexpectedly. For an ordinary meeting, “warten” is appropriate; when there is a hiding place or ambush, “lauern” is the right choice.
lauern
Mara lauert hinter der Tür auf ihren Bruder, um ihn unerwartet zu erschrecken.
Mara lurks behind the door, waiting to startle her brother unexpectedly.
warten
Mara wartet hinter der Tür auf ihren Bruder, um ihn zu begrüßen.
Mara waits behind the door for her brother so she can greet him.
In real life
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