kauern

cower; crouch; huddle

verb KOW-ern Rare

Usage Note

kauern describes crouching down close to the ground, often implying fear or trying to make oneself small. Sich kauern is reflexive; the plain form is used when the subject simply stays crouched: das Kind kauerte in der Ecke.

Examples

"Das Kind kauerte verängstigt hinter dem Sofa."

Natural Translation

The child cowered frightened behind the sofa.

Literal Translation

The child cowered frightened behind the sofa.

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