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verführerisch
seductive
Attractive or alluring in a way that tempts someone, often with an erotic or romantic suggestion.
example
Sie trug ein verführerisches Lächeln auf den Lippen.
She wore a seductive smile on her lips.
verführerisch
seductive / tempting
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'verführerisch' (seductive/tempting) is derived from the verb 'verführen' (to seduce/tempt). 'Verführen' means to lead someone into doing something that they can only resist with difficulty. Something that is 'verführerisch' therefore has the quality of being able to 'verführen' someone.
EXAMPLE
Lass dich nicht von den süßen Snacks verführen!
Don't let yourself be tempted by the sweet snacks!
Context clue
If 'verführerisch' refers to people, their appearance, or their behavior, it usually means romantic or erotic attraction. If it refers to offers, food, or ideas, it means 'very tempting'.
EXAMPLE
Sie warf ihm einen verführerischen Blick zu.
She gave him a seductive look.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'verlockend' (tempting), the word is often used for sensory impressions and abstract things. Common combinations are 'ein verführerisches Angebot' (a tempting offer), 'ein verführerischer Duft' (a tempting scent), or 'ein verführerischer Gedanke' (a tempting thought).
EXAMPLE
Die Idee, einfach alles stehen und liegen zu lassen und zu verreisen, war verführerisch.
The idea of simply dropping everything and going away was tempting.
Compare with
verführerisch vs sexy
sexy
'sexy' and 'verführerisch' can both describe someone or something as very attractive. 'sexy' says more directly that something is sexually attractive or especially desirable. 'verführerisch' emphasizes the effect on a person more strongly: you feel like having something or can hardly resist. This can be meant erotically or romantically, but it can also fit food, offers, or beautiful things. 'sexy' often sounds more modern and casual, while 'verführerisch' sounds a bit more vivid and describes the temptation more.
verführerisch
Wegen des Duftes aus der Küche wirkt der Kuchen besonders verführerisch.
Because of the smell coming from the kitchen, the cake seems especially tempting.
sexy
Wir fanden den neuen Werbespot modern und ziemlich sexy.
We found the new commercial modern and pretty sexy.
In real life
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