01
verwirren
to confuse
To mentally disorient someone so that the person can no longer think clearly or becomes unsure.
example
Die komplizierte Anleitung hat mich völlig verwirrt.
The complicated instructions completely confused me.
verwirren
to confuse
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The verb 'verwirren' (to confuse) derives from the adjective 'wirr' (disordered, confused). The inseparable prefix 'ver-' describes a process here or bringing about a state. So 'verwirren' literally means to put someone or something into a 'wirren' (disordered/confused) state.
EXAMPLE
Seine widersprüchlichen Aussagen haben die Jury verwirrt.
His contradictory statements confused the jury.
Inseparable verb
'Verwirren' (to confuse) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'ver-' remains firmly attached to the verb stem in all sentence forms and tenses and is not placed at the end of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Die vielen neuen Regeln verwirren mich.
The many new rules confuse me.
Action vs. state
The verb 'verwirren' (to confuse) describes an action or process. The resulting state is often expressed with the past participle as an adjective: 'verwirrt sein' (to be confused).
EXAMPLE
Die Frage des Professors verwirrte den Studenten. (Aktion)
The professor's question confused the student. (action)
Context clue
Whether a person is confused mentally (meaning 1) or something is tangled physically (meaning 2) can be recognized from the object. If it is a person, it is about thoughts. If it is things like hair, cables, or threads, it is about disorder.
EXAMPLE
Seine unklare Antwort hat mich verwirrt.
His unclear answer confused me.
Compare with
verwirren vs klären
to clarify
'klären' and 'verwirren' are opposites in many situations. 'klären' means that a problem, question, or misunderstanding becomes understandable or is resolved. 'verwirren' means that someone becomes unsure or no longer clearly understands what is meant. A good explanation can clarify something; too much contradictory information can confuse someone. So the contrast is: making clear versus mixing things up.
verwirren
Am Abend verwirrten die vielen neuen Informationen die ganze Gruppe.
In the evening, all the new information confused the whole group.
klären
Vor dem Termin klärt mein Nachbar noch eine wichtige Frage mit der Ärztin.
Before the appointment, my neighbor clarifies an important question with the doctor.
In real life
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