shy
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shy
Being reserved, insecure, and inhibited when dealing with other people. Shy people often avoid being the center of attention or speaking to strangers.
Er war als Kind sehr schüchtern und traute sich kaum, vor der Klasse zu sprechen.
As a child, he was very shy and hardly dared to speak in front of the class.
timid
An action that is carried out hesitantly, cautiously, and without much self-confidence.
Nach einem schüchternen Klopfen öffnete sich langsam die Tür.
After a timid knock, the door slowly opened.
'Schüchtern' (shy/timid) can either describe a person as a character trait or characterize a single action as hesitant. When it describes an action, it is used like an adverb and is not declined.
Das schüchterne Mädchen versteckte sich hinter seiner Mutter.
The shy girl hid behind her mother.
When 'schüchtern' (shy) describes a person, it often appears with verbs like 'sein' (to be), 'wirken' (to seem), or 'werden' (to become). It is frequently used to characterize children or young people.
In neuen Situationen wirkt sie anfangs immer etwas schüchtern.
In new situations, she always seems a bit shy at first.
In this meaning, 'schüchtern' (timid) often describes nonverbal communication or cautious actions. Typical combinations are 'ein schüchternes Lächeln' (a timid smile), 'eine schüchterne Frage' (a timid question), or 'ein schüchterner Versuch' (a timid attempt).
Sie machte einen ersten, schüchternen Versuch, das Gespräch zu beginnen.
She made a first, timid attempt to start the conversation.
uncertain / insecure
Unsicher and schüchtern can both describe inhibited behavior. Unsicher emphasizes a lack of self-confidence, even if only in a particular situation. Schüchtern specifically refers to being reserved when interacting with other people.
Obwohl Lea ihre neue Aufgabe gut kennt, bleibt sie gegenüber den neuen Kollegen schüchtern.
Although Lea knows her new task well, she remains shy around her new colleagues.
Weil Lea ihre neue Aufgabe noch nicht kennt, wirkt sie in der Teamsitzung unsicher.
Because Lea is not yet familiar with her new task, she seems insecure during the team meeting.
