hesitant
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hesitant
Indecisive, slow, and wavering in an action or decision, often because of uncertainty, fear, or doubt.
Nach kurzem, zögerlichem Warten betrat er schließlich den Raum.
After a brief, hesitant wait, he finally entered the room.
The adjective 'zögerlich' (hesitant) is derived from the verb 'zögern' (to hesitate). It describes the quality or manner of a person who hesitates.
Er zögerte einen Moment, bevor er antwortete.
He hesitated for a moment before answering.
'Zögerlich' (hesitant/hesitantly) can be used as an adverb without changing form to describe how an action is carried out. It then usually stands directly near the verb.
Sie nickte nur zögerlich, als ich sie um Hilfe bat.
She only nodded hesitantly when I asked her for help.
Common combinations are 'eine zögerliche Antwort' (a hesitant answer), 'ein zögerlicher Schritt' (a hesitant step), or verbs such as 'zögerlich zustimmen' (to agree hesitantly) and 'zögerlich nicken' (to nod hesitantly).
Seine zögerliche Haltung machte die Verhandlungen schwierig.
His hesitant attitude made the negotiations difficult.
careful / cautious
'vorsichtig' and 'zögerlich' can seem similar because in both cases someone does not act quickly or directly. The difference lies in the reason. 'vorsichtig' is positive or neutral: you act thoughtfully because you want to avoid mistakes or damage. 'zögerlich' sounds more like uncertainty, doubt, or fear; the person does not decide clearly or takes a long time. Learners may confuse the words when someone acts slowly. Remember: 'vorsichtig' means careful and thoughtful, while 'zögerlich' means hesitant and not decisive.
Bei der mündlichen Prüfung antwortet sie zuerst zögerlich, weil sie unsicher ist.
In the oral exam, she answers hesitantly at first because she is uncertain.
Die Gruppe plant das Budget vorsichtig, damit am Ende genug Geld bleibt.
The group plans the budget carefully so that there will be enough money left at the end.