01
scheu
shy
Reserved, anxious, or unsure when dealing with other people.
example
Das Kind ist Fremden gegenüber sehr scheu und versteckt sich hinter seiner Mutter.
The child is very shy around strangers and hides behind his mother.
scheu
shy
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'scheu' (shy/skittish) belongs to the word family of 'die Scheu' (fear, reserve) and the verb 'etwas scheuen' (to avoid something, to shrink from something).
EXAMPLE
Er hat keine Scheu, seine Meinung offen zu sagen.
He has no fear of stating his opinion openly.
Use with a preposition
'Scheu' (shy/skittish) is often used with the preposition 'vor' and the dative to name the reason for the reserve or fear. One is 'scheu vor' (shy/skittish around or afraid of) someone or something.
EXAMPLE
Viele Wildtiere sind scheu vor Menschen.
Many wild animals are skittish around people.
Context: people and animals
The word is used for both people and animals. With people, it describes a reserved personality; with animals, it describes natural flight behavior.
EXAMPLE
Er ist ein eher scheuer Mensch und steht nicht gern im Mittelpunkt.
He is a rather shy person and doesn't like being the center of attention.
Compare with
scheu vs offen
open
'offen' and 'scheu' can describe a person's behavior toward others. An 'offene Person' (open person) is receptive and easily approaches new people or situations. A 'scheue Person' (shy person) is more unsure or anxious and holds back. 'scheu' sounds more strongly like fear or insecurity than 'zurückhaltend' (reserved). For people, then, 'offen' is the opposite of keeping a cautious distance.
scheu
Ben ist auf der Feier scheu und bleibt lange bei seinen Eltern.
Ben is shy at the party and stays with his parents for a long time.
offen
Nach dem Umzug ist Anna offen für neue Kontakte in der Nachbarschaft.
After the move, Anna is open to making new contacts in the neighborhood.
In real life
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