Verstellung

Verstellung is a German noun derived from the verb verstellen. It has two primary meanings that are common in everyday language and technical use.

In social or rhetorical contexts, Verstellung denotes deception or pretence: the act of presenting a false appearance, concealing true intentions, feelings, or identity to mislead others. In this sense it is closely related to terms like Täuschung or Vortäuschung, but Verstellung emphasizes the element of feigning or camouflaging rather than a straightforward lie.

In technical or mechanical contexts, Verstellung refers to adjustment, setting, or calibration of a device or system. It describes altering alignment, position, or parameters so that a machine operates as desired. In engineering vocabulary this sense is often rendered with Justierung, Einstellung, or Kalibrierung, while Verstellung is used for the act or the result of adjusting.

Etymology: from verstellen, to move aside, to misrepresent, or to adjust; the noun form spans figurative and literal uses.

Usage: The meaning is usually clear from context. With deception, Verstellung may appear in prose, historical writing, or legal discussions about misrepresentation. With technical use, it occurs in manuals, maintenance logs, or specifications about tuning and alignment.

See also: Täuschung, Vortäuschung, Illusion; Justierung, Einstellung, Kalibrierung.