Meaning
To leave a place quietly and unnoticed, often to avoid something.
Cultural Background
The 'Polnischer Abgang' (Polish exit) is the cultural equivalent of 'sich verdrücken'. It's often discussed as a social faux pas but widely practiced at large parties. In Vienna, 'sich verdrücken' is common, but you might also hear 'sich schleichen'. 'Schleich di!' is the local equivalent of 'Verdrück dich!'. Swiss German speakers might use 'sich verdufte' (to evaporate/scent off) as a slightly softer alternative to 'sich verdrücken'. In German offices, 'sich vor der Arbeit verdrücken' is a serious accusation of being a 'Drückeberger' (shirker).
The 'Haben' Rule
Always use 'haben' in the Perfekt. It's a common trap for learners who think all movement verbs use 'sein'.
Don't use with Bosses
Even if you have a good relationship, 'sich verdrücken' sounds like you are avoiding work. Use 'Ich mache jetzt Feierabend' instead.
Meaning
To leave a place quietly and unnoticed, often to avoid something.
The 'Haben' Rule
Always use 'haben' in the Perfekt. It's a common trap for learners who think all movement verbs use 'sein'.
Don't use with Bosses
Even if you have a good relationship, 'sich verdrücken' sounds like you are avoiding work. Use 'Ich mache jetzt Feierabend' instead.
The Polish Exit
If you want to sound very native, mention the 'Polnischer Abgang' when talking about 'sich verdrücken'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct reflexive pronoun and verb form for 'sich verdrücken' in the Perfekt.
Gestern war die Party so langweilig, ich ______ ______ einfach ______.
In the Perfekt, 'sich verdrücken' uses 'haben' and the reflexive pronoun 'mich' for the subject 'ich'.
Which sentence uses the 'eating' sense of 'verdrücken' correctly?
Select the correct usage:
The 'eating' sense is NOT reflexive. Therefore, 'sich' should not be used.
Complete the dialogue with the appropriate slang phrase.
A: 'Wir müssen noch den Abwasch machen!' B: 'Wo ist Thomas?' A: 'Der ______ ______ schon wieder ______.'
Thomas has already left to avoid the task, so the Perfekt 'hat sich verdrückt' is most natural.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate situation.
Phrase: 'Verdrück dich!'
In the imperative, 'Verdrück dich!' is rude and aggressive, similar to 'Get lost!'
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesGestern war die Party so langweilig, ich ______ ______ einfach ______.
In the Perfekt, 'sich verdrücken' uses 'haben' and the reflexive pronoun 'mich' for the subject 'ich'.
Select the correct usage:
The 'eating' sense is NOT reflexive. Therefore, 'sich' should not be used.
A: 'Wir müssen noch den Abwasch machen!' B: 'Wo ist Thomas?' A: 'Der ______ ______ schon wieder ______.'
Thomas has already left to avoid the task, so the Perfekt 'hat sich verdrückt' is most natural.
Phrase: 'Verdrück dich!'
In the imperative, 'Verdrück dich!' is rude and aggressive, similar to 'Get lost!'
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt depends. Telling someone 'Verdrück dich!' is very rude. Saying 'Ich verdrücke mich' to a friend is just casual.
No, it's only for people (and sometimes animals) who leave intentionally and stealthily.
'Abhauen' is more general and can be loud. 'Sich verdrücken' always implies being quiet or unnoticed.
Just remove the 'sich'. 'Ich verdrücke einen Burger.'
Yes, it is a universally understood German slang term.
Yes, it's perfect for WhatsApp or SMS with friends.
Not necessarily, but it often implies you are avoiding something boring or unpleasant.
'Erscheinen' (to appear) or 'bleiben' (to stay).
Yes, it's a cute way to say you are sneaking off to sleep.
It is a short, crisp 'ü' sound.
Related Phrases
sich davonschleichen
synonymTo sneak away
abhauen
similarTo scram / run away
sich drücken
similarTo avoid a task
sich dünne machen
synonymTo make oneself thin
Leine ziehen
similarTo pull the line
