abgelenkt
/ˈapˌɡə.lɛŋkt/
The German word for distracted is abgelenkt.
abgelenkt is used to describe having one's attention diverted or being preoccupied. It is commonly used with the verbs sein (to be) to describe a state, or werden (to become/get) to describe the process of becoming distracted.
Meaning: having one's attention diverted, preoccupied (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word abgelenkt is the past participle of the verb ablenken. The prefix ab- is a separable prefix and lenken means to steer or guide.
Which one should you use?
While abgelenkt describes the state of being distracted, you might use the phrase mit den Gedanken woanders sein to say someone has their mind elsewhere or unaufmerksam sein to say they are being inattentive. To describe a person as absent-minded, you can use geistesabwesend or the phrase zerstreut sein.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, abgelenkt follows standard German adjective declension rules based on the gender, number and case of the noun it modifies.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈapˌɡə.lɛŋkt/
Did you know?
- In German, you can use ablenken to describe a physical diversion, such as a 'decoy' used in military tactics to lure an enemy away.
- While abgelenkt is a general term, Germans use verpeilt in youth slang to describe someone who is so distracted they have lost their sense of direction or timing.
- German differentiates between being abgelenkt by an external stimulus and being zerstreut due to an internal personality trait.
Examples in context
- Ich war kurz abgelenkt.I was distracted for a moment.Tatoeba #7459626 by Luiaard, translation #3822373 by CK
- Tom wurde stark abgelenkt.Tom got very distracted.Tatoeba #7448553 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6657596 by CK
- Ich bin heute morgen etwas abgelenkt.I have been a bit distracted this morning.Tatoeba #12418832 by Waldelfe, translation #5376361 by sundown
- Entschuldigen Sie die Störung. Ich bin momentan etwas abgelenkt.Excuse the interruption. I am currently feeling a bit distracted.
- Tut mir leid, ich bin heute echt verpeilt.Sorry, I'm really absent-minded today.
- 24 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Felix are studying in a cafe.
- SarahFelix, bist du gerade abgelenkt?Felix, are you distracted right now?
- FelixJa, die Musik hier ist zu laut.Yes, the music here is too loud.
- SarahSoll ich einen anderen Tisch suchen?Should I look for another table?
- FelixJa, das wäre gut für uns beide.Yes, that would be good for both of us.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry abgelenkt, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
