01
verunsichern
to unsettle
To make someone insecure, doubtful, or anxious.
example
Lass dich von den negativen Kommentaren nicht verunsichern.
Don't let the negative comments unsettle you.
verunsichern
to unsettle
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The verb is derived from the adjective 'unsicher' (insecure/uncertain). The prefix 'ver-' causes a change of state here, similar to 'verbessern' (to improve, literally to make better). 'Verunsichern' therefore literally means 'to make insecure'.
EXAMPLE
Seine kritische Frage hat mich kurz verunsichert.
His critical question briefly unsettled me.
Inseparable verb
'Verunsichern' (to unsettle) is an inseparable verb because it begins with 'ver-'. The prefix remains firmly attached to the verb in all sentence forms and tenses.
EXAMPLE
Er verunsichert die Mannschaft mit seinen ständigen Zweifeln.
He unsettles the team with his constant doubts.
Use with the accusative
This verb is transitive and always needs an accusative object. You always unsettle 'jemanden' (someone) or 'etwas' (something).
EXAMPLE
Die widersprüchlichen Nachrichten verunsichern die Bevölkerung.
The contradictory news is unsettling the population.
Typical use
A very common construction is 'sich verunsichern lassen' (to let oneself be unsettled). It expresses that you allow yourself to be made unsure by external influences.
EXAMPLE
Lass dich von seiner Meinung nicht verunsichern und triff deine eigene Entscheidung.
Don't let his opinion unsettle you, and make your own decision.
Compare with
verunsichern vs verwirren
to confuse
'verwirren' and 'verunsichern' both describe that someone is no longer completely sure. 'verwirren' mainly means that information or situations confuse your mind. You no longer understand something clearly. 'verunsichern' focuses more strongly on the feeling: someone begins to doubt, becomes anxious, or loses self-confidence. The words can be confused because confusion often also causes uncertainty. As a guide: for complicated explanations or a lot of information, 'verwirren' fits. For criticism, doubt, or fear, 'verunsichern' is a better fit.
verunsichern
Nach dem Gespräch mit dem Chef ist Nele verunsichert und zweifelt an ihrer Arbeit.
After the conversation with her boss, Nele feels unsettled and doubts her work.
verwirren
Die langen Erklärungen im Formular verwirren viele Bewerber.
The long explanations on the form confuse many applicants.
In real life
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