Verschlimmbessern

Meaning: To make something worse in a well-intentioned attempt to improve it.

Literally: To make-worse-better

Origin: German verschlimmern ('to worsen') + verbessern ('to improve'); one of the language's most useful compound verbs.

More German untranslatable words

Waldeinsamkeit The serene, faintly mystical feeling of being alone in the woods, at peace with nature.
Backpfeifengesicht A face that is just begging to be slapped — someone so smug you can't help the urge.
Schadenfreude The guilty little pleasure of taking satisfaction in someone else's misfortune.
Fernweh An aching longing for far-off places you've never been — the opposite of homesickness.
Weltschmerz The weariness and sadness you feel when the world as it is falls painfully short of the w…
Torschlusspanik The anxious fear that time is running out — that the gates of opportunity, youth, or life…

Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.

Du bist ein Goldstück You're a real gem — priceless, irreplaceable, and deeply appreciated.
Du hast ein Händchen dafür You have a real knack — a natural gift that makes difficult things look easy.
Du hast Köpfchen You're sharp and clever — you use your brain well.

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