zögerlich
The English word reluctant is translated into German as zögerlich.
If you want to express that someone is doing something very reluctantly, you can use the phrase sehr ungern. You can also use the phrase mit Zögern, which means with hesitation, to describe how an action is being performed.
Meaning: not wanting to take some action (adj)
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between zögerlich and unwillig. While zögerlich implies a reluctance caused by hesitation or doubt, unwillig means unwilling, implying a lack of will or an outright refusal to do something.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective zögerlich follows standard German adjective declension rules, meaning its ending will change based on the gender, case and number of the noun it modifies.
Did you know?
- If you are acting 'unwillig' instead of 'zögerlich', a German speaker perceives you as being stubborn or even disrespectful, rather than just cautious.
- When Germans use ungern to express reluctance, they are using an adverb derived from gern, a word that has no direct equivalent in English but describes a general liking for an activity.
- In some German dialects, the concept of being reluctant is expressed through idioms involving 'feet', similar to the English 'dragging one's feet'.
Examples in context
- Der Angestellte war widerwillig, den zusätzlichen Auftrag anzunehmen.The employee was reluctant to take on the additional task.
- Der Politiker antwortete zögerlich auf die heikle Frage.The politician responded reluctantly to the sensitive question.
- Ich gehe ungern ins Fitnessstudio.I am reluctant to go to the gym.
- Er nahm widerstrebend an der Familienfeier teil.He reluctantly attended the family gathering.
- Er antwortete nur zögerlich.He answered only reluctantly.
- Er war sehr zögerlich bei der Entscheidung.He was very reluctant regarding the decision.
- Sie gab die Antwort nur zögerlich.She gave the answer only reluctantly.
- Der Hund war zögerlich, in das Wasser zu gehen.The dog was reluctant to go into the water.
Example conversation
Laura and Julian are discussing Julian's new job offer.
- LauraBist du zögerlich wegen des neuen Jobs?Are you reluctant about the new job?
- JulianJa, ich bin ein wenig zögerlich.Yes, I am a little reluctant.
- LauraWarum bist du so zögerlich?Why are you so reluctant?
- JulianDer Arbeitsweg ist einfach zu lang.The commute is simply too long.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry zögerlich, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
