ungern
reluctantly
Expresses that someone does something only unwillingly, without pleasure, or not gladly. It is used as an adverb to modify a verb.
EXAMPLE
Er spricht nur ungern über seine Gefühle.
He only reluctantly talks about his feelings.
ungern
reluctantly
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
'Ungern' is the direct opposite of 'gern' (gladly/like to). It is formed with the negative prefix 'un-' and literally means 'not gladly'.
EXAMPLE
Ich stehe morgens ungern früh auf.
I reluctantly get up early in the morning.
Sentence position
As an adverb, 'ungern' usually stands directly after the conjugated verb or after the subject. It describes the way in which an action is carried out.
EXAMPLE
Mein Hund geht bei Regen ungern nach draußen.
My dog is reluctant to go outside when it rains.
Polite phrasing
'Ungern' is often used to formulate a refusal or objection politely. It sounds softer than a direct 'Ich will nicht' (I don't want to).
EXAMPLE
Ich möchte Sie nur ungern stören, aber es ist dringend.
I really don't want to disturb you, but it's urgent.
Compare with
ungern vs widerwillig
reluctant
Ungern and widerwillig both show that someone does not like doing something. Ungern can simply express a lack of enjoyment or preference, while widerwillig usually emphasizes stronger inner resistance and hesitant action. For mild reluctance, ungern is sufficient; for clear resistance, widerwillig is more appropriate.
ungern
Ich fahre ungern im Regen mit dem Fahrrad zur Arbeit.
I don’t like cycling to work in the rain.
widerwillig
Nach langem Streit unterschrieb er widerwillig die Vereinbarung.
After a long argument, he reluctantly signed the agreement.
In real life
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