verzogene

Verzogene is a German attributive adjective form derived from the past participle verzogen (twisted, distorted, or figuratively spoiled). It is not a standalone noun but the feminine singular nominative/accusative form used before a feminine noun. The base participle verzogen has both a literal sense (something that is physically bent or twisted) and a figurative sense (behavior or appearance that is affected or spoiled).

Usage and examples

As an adjective, verzogene describes feminine nouns in the singular: eine verzogene Nase (a crooked nose) or eine verzogene Miene (an affected, sullen expression). With other genders and numbers, the endings differ: verzogener Mann (masculine singular), verzogenes Gesicht (neuter singular), die verzogenen Nasen (plural feminine). The form verzogene can also appear in combination with other feminine nouns, always reflecting standard German adjective ending rules after a determiner.

Meaning and nuance

The term often carries a negative connotation, signaling physical distortion or a critique of behavior or appearance as artificial or pretentious. It can describe both concrete features and figurative aspects, such as verzogenes Benehmen (spoiled or affected behavior).

Relation to related forms

Verzogen is the base participle, while verzogenes, verzogener, and verzogene represent the other inflected forms used to agree with different noun genders, numbers, and cases. In contrast, a neuter noun typically takes verzogenes, and plural uses verzogenen.

In sum, verzogene is a gender- and number-specific form used to describe feminine nouns in a way that conveys twisting, distortion, or affectation.