01
verarschen
to mess with
Colloquial, crude: to make a fool of someone, lie to them, or make fun of them.
example
Willst du mich verarschen? Das kann nicht dein Ernst sein.
Are you messing with me? You can't be serious.
verarschen
to mess with / bullshit
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Register and style
This word is very colloquial and is often perceived as crude or even vulgar. Use it only in informal situations with friends, and be aware that it can sound impolite.
EXAMPLE
Erzähl keinen Quatsch, du willst mich doch nur verarschen!
Don't talk nonsense, you're just trying to mess with me!
Word structure
The word is made up of the prefix 'ver-' and the noun 'der Arsch' (ass). This origin explains the crude and negative character of the word.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe das Gefühl, der Verkäufer hat mich mit dem Preis total verarscht.
I have the feeling that the salesperson totally ripped me off with the price.
Typical question
The question 'Willst du mich verarschen?' (Are you messing with me?) is a very common fixed expression. It expresses disbelief, surprise, or anger about another person's statement or action.
EXAMPLE
Du hast das Auto verkauft, ohne mich zu fragen? Willst du mich verarschen?
You sold the car without asking me? Are you messing with me?
Fixed expression
The construction 'sich verarscht fühlen' (to feel messed with) is used to express the feeling of being deceived or not taken seriously. The subject is the person who has this feeling.
EXAMPLE
Nach all den leeren Versprechungen habe ich mich einfach nur noch verarscht gefühlt.
After all those empty promises, I simply felt like I was being messed with.
Compare with
verarschen vs ficken
to fuck
'ficken' and 'verarschen' can both express that someone is being treated badly or unfairly. 'verarschen' means deliberately deceiving someone, not taking them seriously, or making fun of them. It is crude, but more common in everyday language. 'ficken' is much more vulgar and stronger; in this figurative meaning, it is more like ruthlessly exploiting someone or causing them serious harm. Learners may confuse the words because both sound rough and are connected with anger. If it is about lies or a stupid joke, 'verarschen' is more likely to fit. If it is about serious harm or brutal exploitation, 'ficken' may be meant, but it is very crude.
verarschen
Ich fühle mich verarscht, weil der Techniker den Termin schon wieder vergessen hat.
I feel messed with because the technician has forgotten the appointment yet again.
ficken
Der Verkäufer fickt seine Kunden, weil er ihnen kaputte Geräte verkauft.
The salesman fucks his customers over by selling them broken devices.
In real life
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