German Phrase
Vermeide es, herumzuzappeln oder die Arme zu verschränken.
Meaning
This phrase is a direct instruction to refrain from specific non-verbal behaviors. "Herumzuzappeln" refers to making restless, small movements, often indicating nervousness or impatience. "Die Arme zu verschränken" means to fold one's arms across the chest, which can signal defensiveness, closed-offness, or disapproval.
When to use
This phrase is typically used when giving advice on appropriate body language, especially in formal settings like job interviews, presentations, or important meetings. It can also be used in a more casual context when someone's body language is perceived as rude, distracting, or unapproachable.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Vermeidees,herumzuzappelnoderdie Armezu verschränken.
Vermeide (vermeiden)
'Vermeiden' is a transitive verb meaning 'to avoid.' It is often used with 'es' as a placeholder object, followed by an infinitive clause introduced by 'zu' to describe the action to be avoided.
es
In this construction, 'es' acts as a placeholder or anticipatory object, referring forward to the entire infinitive clause that follows. It makes the sentence structure more fluid.
herumzuzappeln
This is an infinitive construction with 'zu' for the separable verb 'herumzappeln' (to fidget around). When forming the infinitive with 'zu' for separable verbs, 'zu' is inserted between the prefix ('herum-') and the verb stem ('zappeln').
die Arme
In German, when referring to one's own body parts, the definite article ('die' for plural 'Arme') is frequently used instead of a possessive pronoun ('deine Arme'), especially when the context clearly indicates whose body part it is.
zu verschränken
This is an infinitive construction with 'zu' for the verb 'verschränken' (to cross, to fold). It follows the same pattern as 'herumzuzappeln' in being part of the 'es... zu + infinitive' structure.
🗨In Conversation
Ich bin so nervös vor dem Vorstellungsgespräch morgen.
I'm so nervous about the job interview tomorrow.
Denk daran: Vermeide es, herumzuzappeln oder die Arme zu verschränken. Das macht einen besseren Eindruck.
Remember: Avoid fidgeting or crossing your arms. That makes a better impression.
✕Common Mistakes
Verhindere es, herumzuzappeln.
While 'verhindern' also means 'to prevent,' 'vermeiden' (to avoid) is the more natural and common verb when advising against a specific action or behavior.
Vermeide es, zu zappeln herum.
For separable verbs like 'herumzappeln,' the 'zu' in an infinitive clause is placed between the prefix and the verb stem: 'herumzuzappeln'.
Vermeide es, deine Arme zu verschränken.
In German, when referring to one's own body parts, the definite article ('die' in this case) is often used instead of a possessive pronoun ('deine'), especially when the possessor is clear from context.
↔Alternatives
Bleib ruhig und entspannt.
Stay calm and relaxed.
Zeige eine offene Körperhaltung.
Show open body language.
Sei aufmerksam und präsent.
Be attentive and present.
Cultural Tip
In German-speaking cultures, maintaining a calm and composed demeanor is often valued, especially in professional or formal settings. Fidgeting can be seen as a sign of nervousness, lack of confidence, or even disrespect. Crossing arms, while sometimes just a comfortable posture, can often be interpreted as being closed off, defensive, or even hostile, particularly in a conversation or negotiation. Direct eye contact and an open posture are generally preferred to convey sincerity and engagement.