01
zieren
to adorn
To embellish or decorate something in order to make it more beautiful.
example
Ein wunderschönes Gemälde ziert die Wand über dem Kamin.
A beautiful painting adorns the wall above the fireplace.
zieren
to adorn / be coy
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Reflexive or not?
Pay attention to the reflexive pronoun 'sich' (oneself). Without 'sich,' 'zieren' means to adorn. With 'sich,' 'sich zieren' means to hesitate out of shyness or for show.
EXAMPLE
Alte Bäume zieren den Park.
Old trees adorn the park.
Sentence structure
When 'zieren' means 'schmücken' (to decorate/adorn), the decoration is the subject of the sentence, and the place or object being decorated is the accusative object. This structure is typical of an elevated register.
EXAMPLE
Zahlreiche Trophäen zieren sein Büro.
Numerous trophies adorn his office.
Typical prompt
The command 'Zier dich nicht!' (Don't be coy!) is a very common colloquial expression. You say it to someone who hesitates to accept an offer, in order to encourage them.
EXAMPLE
Ach komm, zier dich nicht so und sing mit uns!
Oh come on, don't be so coy and sing with us!
Compare with
zieren vs zögern
to hesitate
'zögern' and 'sich zieren' can both mean that someone does not do something right away. 'zögern' is more neutral and can happen because of uncertainty, doubt, or a deliberate delay. 'sich zieren' is used when someone is reluctant at first, often out of shyness, modesty, or even in a somewhat affected way. The risk of confusion arises because in both cases an action does not happen immediately. If only uncertainty or postponement is meant, 'zögern' fits. If someone at first does not want to accept an invitation, praise, or an offer, 'sich zieren' sounds more natural.
zieren
Tom zierte sich zuerst, das Geschenk anzunehmen.
At first, Tom was coy about accepting the gift.
zögern
Im Zug zögerte sie, den fremden Mann nach dem Weg zu fragen.
On the train, she hesitated to ask the stranger for directions.
In real life
Loading video examples...