verirrt

Verirrt is a German term that functions both as the past participle of sich verirren and as an adjective describing a state of being lost or misdirected. In physical contexts it denotes having lost one’s way, for example after taking a wrong turn or straying from a path. In figurative usage it can refer to being misled in thoughts, plans, or decisions, or to a situation that lacks clear direction.

Originating from the verb irren, meaning to err or wander, the prefix ver- signals a completed or intensified deviation. The combination conveys a lasting or notable misplacement rather than a temporary error. In everyday speech, sich verirren is used with reflexive pronouns, as in ich habe mich verirrt, du hast dich verirrt, er/sie hat sich verirrt. As an adjective, verirrte/n/d describes a person or thing that is lost or misguided: ein verirrter Wanderer, eine verirrte Expedition, verirrte Gedanken.

Its tone is neutral to descriptive; it is common in travel writing, reports of navigation, and literature. Metaphorical uses appear in discussions of philosophy, politics, or strategy, where someone or something is “verirrt in der Argumentation” or “verirrt in der Strategie.” The term is often contrasted with zurechtfinden (to find one’s way) or orientieren (to orient oneself).

English equivalents include lost, misdirected, misguided, or off track, depending on context; cognates exist in other Germanic languages.