Belästigen

Belästigen is a German verb meaning to harass, bother, or disturb someone. It denotes unwanted, disruptive behavior that infringes on another person’s peace or privacy. The action is typically directed at an individual or group and can include persistent contact, intrusive remarks, unwanted attention, or other intrusive conduct. The reflexive form sich belästigt fühlen is used to describe feeling harassed or disturbed.

Etymology: The verb is formed with the prefix be- added to lästig, an adjective meaning burdensome or annoying. The sense has broadened to cover various forms of nuisance and harassment.

Usage: Belästigen is transitive and governs an accusative object: Jemanden belästigen = to harass someone. Example: Die Nachbarn belästigen die Passanten ständig mit lauter Musik. The noun Belästigung is commonly used in formal or legal language to refer to harassment, e.g., Belästigung der Privatsphäre or sexueller Belästigung.

Contexts: The term covers verbal harassment (insults, unwanted comments), physical manifestations that stop short of violence, persistent contact, stalking-like behavior, or other nuisances. The assessment of whether conduct constitutes belästigen depends on factors such as frequency, intensity, location, and the recipient’s consent or expectations.

See also: sexual harassment, stalking, nuisance, privacy invasion. In German law and in many jurisdictions, harassment-related behavior may be subject to civil or criminal penalties depending on the severity and context.