Ich habe mich verlaufen
/ɪç ˈhaːbə mɪç fɛɐ̯ˈlau̯fən/word by word
In German, "I am lost" is translated as Ich habe mich verlaufen.
The phrase Ich habe mich verlaufen is used to express that you have lost your way while traveling on foot. It is an informal way to state that you are lost.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "I have lost myself (while walking)", utilizing the reflexive verb verlaufen.
Which one should you use?
You should use Ich habe mich verlaufen if you are walking. However, if you are lost while driving a vehicle or riding a bike, use Ich habe mich verfahren instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
In this context, the verb verlaufen is reflexive, which is why it requires the reflexive pronoun mich (myself).
How do you pronounce it?
/ɪç ˈhaːbə mɪç fɛɐ̯ˈlau̯fən/
Did you know?
- If you say Ich bin verloren, you are not just lost on a path, but are instead declaring that you are 'doomed' or 'lost' in a spiritual or existential sense.
- The prefix ver- in verlaufen often indicates a mistake or a negative outcome in German verbs.
- The verb verlaufen can also describe a wound that is healing or a story that takes a certain turn.
Examples in context
- Ich habe mich verlaufen.I am lost.This sentence is useful for stating that you are lost using the form Ich habe mich verlaufen.Tatoeba #2707230 by daed56, translation #1164098 by etoile
- Entschuldigung, könnten Sie mir helfen? Ich habe mich verlaufen.Excuse me, could you help me? I have lost my way.
Example conversation
Julia and Julian are walking in a new city.
- JuliaJulian, ich habe mich verlaufen.Julian, I am lost.
- JulianWirklich? Wo sind wir gerade?Really? Where are we right now?
- JuliaIch weiß es nicht genau.I don't know exactly.
- JulianKeine Sorge, ich schaue auf die Karte.Don't worry, I will look at the map.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (Ich, Habe, mich, verlaufen) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
