Meaning 1neutral · 82%
To delay acting because one is uncertain or considering.
Natural examples
Vor der Entscheidung zögerte er einen Moment.
He hesitated briefly before deciding.
Sie zögerte, den Kunden anzurufen.
She hesitated to call the customer.
Zögern Sie nicht, uns Fragen zu stellen.
Please do not hesitate to ask us questions.
Usage note
zögern often stands alone or with bei. nicht zögern zu + infinitive encourages action.
Mini-lesson: zögern
To delay acting because one is uncertain or considering. zögern often stands alone or with bei. nicht zögern zu + infinitive encourages action.
Check your learning
Choose one answer.Which definition matches «zögern»?